Don Burns

Donald Carlton Burns died peacefully at home March 14 at the age of 87. Burns began lobbying in 1957 and retired in 2009. To say he enjoyed telling a good story, navigating a complex situation and immersing himself in the company of others, would be an understatement.

Burns started as a lobbyist for the California State Assn. of Life Underwriters. The Legislature was part-time then and Burns maintained an office in San Francisco and another in the Senator Hotel during session. In 1969 he formed Organization Management Inc., which he later shortened to OMI Government Relations. Burns played in the poker games Willie Brown would host the night before his Ways and Means Committee met. Burns was there for the heyday of Brannans (where Chops is now) when it was the watering-hole for legislators, some of whom even formed a house band. Among his many friends he counted John Vasconcellos, Liz Figueroa and Sheila Kuehl. Willie Brown officiated his wedding.

Burns was the Consulate General for the Republic of Austria in Northern California and Nevada. It was an honorary role that came about when he was deputy chief of protocol for Gov. Deukmejian. When he retired after 20 years of service, Austria’s ambassador, on behalf of the president, presented him with the Grand Decoration of Honor in Gold, the third highest award that can be made to a civilian.

He was also the president of the Beefeater’s Club of the United States, a gourmet society affiliated to England’s Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London. In the 16th century the Yeomen Warders was a military unit, but it has since become a ceremonial regiment guarding the tower. The Chief Warder carries as a badge of his office a centuries-old mace, or long wooden pole, with a miniature silver replica of the tower atop it. There was a second mace that could be disassembled so that the Chief Warder could carry it more easily on travels. The second mace disappeared and no one knew where to. Burns found it on eBay, bought it for $1500 and had it returned.

When Burns retired, John Norwood, managing partner of Norwood and Associates, took over the California Pool and Spa Association from Burns, who founded the group and worked for 30 years watching over its interests. Norwood called Burns the consummate professional in everything he did. “He was always chipper, well dressed and friendly,” Norwood recalled, “but also well prepared and organized as he fought to represent his clients. He was a model to many in our business and will be sorely missed.”

Burns is survived by his wife, Peggy, daughters Pam, Tracy and Hilary and stepsons Arnold and Adam Ting. Peggy says the Sacramento Bee will publish an obituary in its Wednesday edition. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Saturday May 6 at 1 p.m. at the Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to a favorite charity.  Contact: morningreport@capitolmr.com