Richard K. Burnham

Age: 75

BURNHAM, Richard K.

Otsego ~
Formerly of Paw Paw

Attorney Richard K. Burnham, Age 75, of Otsego passed away Sunday morning, Dec. 21, 2014 at his home. Dick was born Aug. 28, 1939 in Kalamazoo the son of the late Kenneth R. and Marie A. (Otts) Burnham. He was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School Class of 1957. Dick received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Kalamazoo College in 1961 and his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan in 1965. After graduating from law school he began a short private practice until being hired by Lloyd Fayling, after which he was employed by the Kalamazoo firm of Wickett, Erickson and Beach in 1968 until he began his private practice in the Village of Paw Paw in 1974. Dick has been involved in the community of Van Buren County; serving a term on the Paw Paw School Board, member of the Paw Paw Jaycees, serving as President of the Van Bren County Bar Association and being the elder member on the Board of (Southwest Michigan) Legal Aid. Dick was a member of the Michigan State Bar Association, Van Buren County Bar Association. Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association, Porsche Club, and the Mercedes Club of Kalamazoo. He enjoyed landscaping, cars, attending to his saltwater aquarium, and was an avid U of M fan. Over the past six years Dick opened his heart and home to rescue over 100 dogs, some of which never left and became part of the family. On May 19, 1995 in Las Vegas, Dick was united in marriage to Tonia(Toni) J. Compton who survives. Also surviving is a son, Scott Burnham of Paw Paw; daughter, Kimberly (John) Dunham of Charlotte, NC; granddaughter, Maija Jo Dunham; brother, Robert (Beverly) Burnham of Plano, TX; many dear and close friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Bradley and a daughter, Michelle. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to North Star Border Collie Rescue, P.O. Box 401, Otsego, 49078. Arrangements by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw.