Harry Lee Burns

Harry L. Burns, age 91, of Jenison passed away peacefully after a long illness on Thursday, December 7, 2017. Harry was Director of Recreation for the City of Grand Rapids for 43 years. He went to grade school and high school in Greenfield Village, Dearborn. He received his Bachelor’s Degree at Michigan State College and his Master’s Degree at Central Michigan College.  Harry won many awards for his outstanding work in recreation, among them was the NRPA Professional Excellence Award in 1986. Harry was also one of the first to be inducted into the MRPA Hall of Fame in 2006. He was proceeded in death by his grandson, Douglas Goethel. He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Diane; his children, Kristi Goethel, Karen (Ted) Haan, Kurt (Diane) Burns; his grandchildren, Tom Goethel, Mark (Jana) Goethel, Sam (Jessica) Lemmon, Cody Haan, Steve (Christy) Burns, Stacey Burns and seven great-grandchildren. In keeping with his wishes cremation as taken place and a private memorial service will take place at a later date.

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