Support Michael's Family with Funeral Costs

Honoring the Memory of Michael Kelly Burr: Raising funds to cover remaining funeral costs

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Hearts,

The family of Michael Kelly Burr reaches out to you with heavy hearts as we navigate the loss of our beloved father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather & brother.

At 65 years old, Michael's journey was marked by resilience, love, and an unyielding spirit. As we reminisce about the memories we shared with him, we kindly ask for offerings to support our fundraising efforts towards the remaining funeral costs. Please take a moment with us to travel down memory lane and relive a brief glimpse of our cherished moments together.

Michael, an identical twin, was adopted at birth into a family that embraced him with open arms. Raised devoutly Catholic by his parents and Jewish grandparents who converted the family into Catholicism to shield themselves from persecution, Michael's upbringing was a tapestry of unique experiences. Starting from his time in a private Catholic school, where he shared many memorable moments tricking the nuns, to the playful antics he and his twin brother often engaged in, his life was characterized by a mix of affection and endless laughter. His fondness for humor, as his sister fondly remembers, sparked countless amusing anecdotes.

His zest for life extended into his relationships. Michael and his first wife, Janet Burr, embarked on a journey of young love, marrying as high school sweethearts at 16 & 17 years of age and embracing the free-spirited essence of the 'hippie' era. Together, they built a family surrounded by lifelong friends. Later, Michael remarried and took on the role of a father to his wife's son, legally adopting Justin as his own. They later welcomed another son, Jordan, and expanded their family.

As a family we could often be found at the river with friends taking buckets of crawdads & tadpoles’ home to observe. Once as a little girl Brandie begged to bring her prized star fish home from the beach, to which her parents obliged. Michel, Michael's youngest daughter, fondly reminisces about their playful antics and cherished moments together. She recalls visiting him after their parents' divorce, where food fights became a common occurrence, reflecting his playful & jokester nature and love for laughter. Michael was always pushing the boundaries, testing what he could get away with, much to their amusement. His youngest daughter, Michel, remembers his infectious laugh would often lead to hysterical fits of laughter, leaving them in tears of joy. She treasures memories of their father's playful spirit and mischievous sense of humor, such as the time he jokingly embarrassed her during her driving lessons, shouting to onlookers about her novice driving skills. Despite his playful antics, they shared countless walks to nearby parks, creating lasting memories of fun and bonding. As a grandfather, Michael's love for his grandchildren shone brightly, always ready with a big tub of licorice and treats to spoil them during their visits, leaving a mark of love and joy on their hearts.

Adding to the tapestry of Michael's life was his shared passion for aviation with his Mother Richie Burr (deceased). As licensed pilots, mother and son shared their love for the skies with his eldest daughter, Brandie, taking her on exhilarating flights in a small four-seater plane. These airborne adventures became cherished memories for her and instilled a sense of wonder Brandie has carried with her throughout her life.

However, life took unexpected turns, as it often does. Brandie remembers the exact moment (then age 17) of being told about her Dad’s diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis that changed the course of his life. Despite the challenges this debilitating disease presented, Michael remained a pillar of strength traveling with his mother and son to various countries to receive medical treatments not yet available in the U.S., a testament to his unwavering determination to fight.

During Michael's declining health, his eldest daughter, Brandie, made a courageous decision: she left college, transitioned to full-time work, and moved in with him as his condition worsened. Balancing her job and assisting in the responsibility of caring for her younger sister, who was still in high school, Brandie experienced firsthand the toll MS took on her father. Despite the difficulties, Michael's unwavering spirit remained a source of strength, making every moment together precious.

Michael's life journey abruptly concluded when he was rushed to the emergency room, with dehydration, labored breathing (pneumonia) and fluid around his heart. Seven days later, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Amidst Michael's final days in the hospital, his daughter Michel, along with her husband and three children, were able to travel to him, to say goodbye and to hold his hand as he transitioned out of this life. Their unwavering presence during his most vulnerable moments speaks volumes about the depth of their bond and her profound love for our father. Brandie gives heartfelt gratitude to her sister Michel for her dedication, supported by her family, and exemplifying the strength of familial ties, especially when living halfway across the county which makes it challenging to rise to this call.

As we gather to bid farewell to Michael, additional expenses for his burial and memorial services have arisen. While we are grateful to have most of the costs covered, we now face the final remainder. We turn to our friends and community for support. Your generosity during this difficult time would mean the world to us.

Whether it's a donation or simply sharing our story, every contribution honors the memory of a man who touched the lives of many with humor, and spirit.

Thank you for joining us as we shared glimpses of our memories of our Father’s journey and for helping us celebrate his life in a meaningful way.

Michael Kelly Burr’s obituary https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/visalia-ca/michael-burr-11838754

The direct burial will be held at The Visalia Cemetery Located at 1300 W Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291on Friday June 14th at 9AM. A memorial of life will be held late July, early August.

Please consider donating if you are able to do so. We are so very grateful for every donation during this difficult time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Brandie B. & Family