Lewis Burnham

Lewis A. Burnham, age 89, passed away peacefully in Traverse City, MI on August 7, 2022.

He grew up on the family farm in Sombra, Canada and went on to earn a BS in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan in 1955 where he was a member of Vulcans and Tau Beta Phi. Began his career in Cincinnati with P&G where he met and married Susan Chace (married 61 years) then fulfilled his military requirements as a lieutenant in the US Army. He worked as an engineer then focused on business management after earning his MBA at the University of Chicago in 1973. His career included travel and friendships moving over 15 times throughout the Midwest, Japan, Ohio, Florida (34 years) and Michigan. He retired from Anchor Glass in 1984 then consulted with numerous smaller companies in the Tampa, FL area while maintaining his Board seat with Scudder/Kemper Funds till 2005.

Lewis strongly believed in his career, his faith, the value of education. He applied his acute intellect to many disciplines especially in learning the Japanese language then computers and computer coding. He was a spiritual man and generously contributed to the church and community wherever he resided. He loved animals, particularly his dogs who were well trained and brought him so much joy. He was active with baseball and hockey as a youth followed by years of golf, hiking, fishing, and skiing till he was 81. Lewis and Susan especially enjoyed their summer vacations in Colorado where they hosted their children and grandchildren.

Survived by his three children, Liz (Tom) VerSchure, Steve (Christina) and Jim (Lee); his five grandchildren, Chloe Burnham, Zak VerSchure, Nick VerSchure, Tristan Burnham, and Emily Burnham; younger brothers, Ron Burnham (Faith) and Larry Burnham (Mikki); and uncle and great uncle to many. He was preceded in death by his parents Ila and Walter and wife, Susan.

In his memory, donations can be made to your local humane society or animal rescue.

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