Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1951 Rick Burns arrived home to a busy household. His parents, Dick, and Helen Burns, managed the tiny office of the Bainbridge Telephone Company which meant they shared their home with switchboard operators, linemen and customers. It seems only natural that Rick would go on to a long career in the telephone industry!
From the treasured 1969 Camaro Z-28 of his youth to the Harleys of his later years, Rick always preferred owning quality transportation. During his two years’ service with the U.S. Army the bright blue Camaro sat parked on blocks. Upon his return the Z-28 got a fresh coat of black paint before it went out to the racetrack as the Black Mariah.
Shortly after leaving the Army Rick joined his father, uncles, and cousin at the Western Reserve Telephone Company (later Windstream Communications) where he remained another forty-three years until his retirement. He would surely have said that the very best part of working for the phone company was meeting his co-worker, the love of his life, Carole Ralston.
In his spare time Rick honed a talent for fine woodworking. He kept close to nature, appreciating outdoor life. He also enjoyed NASCAR races, hot-air ballooning with friends and riding the roads with his fellow H.O.G.s from Southeast Harley-Davidson.
He is survived by his loving partner, Carole Ralston and his sisters, Kathy and Cheryl.
Friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Rick on Saturday afternoon, November 20th, 2021. Stop by anytime from 1:30 pm until 4 pm at the Centerville Mills Dining Hall, 8558 Crackel Rd., Chagrin Falls (Bainbridge Twp.) OH 44023.
Always enjoyed Rick and his stories.
A gentle man and a gentleman; we are blessed to have known him…
He and Carole were the best friends and balloon crew a pilot could ever have.
I love them both!! Wish I knew, so sad how we loose touch. Love to Carole and family.
May you ride with the wind and soar with the eagles. Our lives were blessed since we met you. Your bacon is safe now.
Rick and Lee
Went on multiple bike rides with Rick. One of my favorite rides with Rick was going to the D Day reenactment in Conneaut. I will miss our friendship. R.I.P my friend.
Our prayers are with all…so sorry for your loss Carole. Patty and Joe
many many great memories growing up in Bainbridge.
So sad to hear about Rick, super cool guy. A great crew member in the hot air balloon community. Rest In Peace big Teddy Bear. God’s comfort and blessings to Carole and family.