Allen Burnam, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed on peacefully at his home in Riverside, AZ, surrounded by his wife, family and friends.
Allen was born to Juanita and Marvin Allen Burnam Sr. in Douglas, AZ, and was raised from a young age by his grandparents, Myrtle and Denzil Crew Burnam, in Hayden, AZ. He married his high school sweetheart, Deloris Idler Burnam, and raised five children at their ranch at Old Fort Grant at the confluence of the Gila and Aravaipa rivers. With help from friends and relatives, they built a log cabin at Hawley Lake in the White Mountains, where many fun-filled summers were spent.
Allen worked at ASARCO from the age of 20 until his early retirement at age 55. Through this job, he met, fell in love with, and married his wife and soul-mate, Patricia Wixom Burnam. He moved to Riverside with her and his stepson. Together, Allen and Pat purchased land in the high desert mountains of Timberlake, NM, built a beautiful log cabin home and comfortable retreat where they spent their spring and summer months.
Allen’s love for the outdoors and nature fueled his passion for many hobbies: ranching, gardening, hunting, and exploring. Reflecting his respect and interest in ancient American Indian culture, Allen created stunning art: replicas of Native clothing, drums, gourd masks, ornaments.
With gratitude for the love he gave to us, Allen is survived by his wife, Patricia Burnam; children, Audrey (Gregg) Burnam, Marilyn (Emil) Jahna, Marjorie (John) Butler, Marvin (Carolyn) Burnam, Melissa (Jim) Long, and Mark (Loni) Julien; grandchildren, Suzanne Moreau, Devon Bone, Elias Jahna, Keir (Carl) Keever, Analisa Jahna, Bretta Jahna, Maggie Butler, Ashlee Burnam, Katie Burnam, Kayla Hamilton, Bubba Hamilton, Josh Julien, and Blake Julien; great-grandchild, Crew Keever; and former wife, Deloris Burnam.
Memorial service for Allen will be held on July 13, 2013 in Kearny, AZ. The location and time will be posted at the Post Offices in Hayden, Winkelman and Kearny.
Later this summer, a celebration of Allen’s life will be held in Timberlake, NM.
The family asks that no flowers be sent, but you may make donations in memory of Allen toward research of natural medicine. Send donations made out to SCNM (Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences) or NCNM (National College of Natural Medicine) to PO Box 368, Hayden, AZ 85235.