Brian Edward Burns

Brian Edward Burns, age 43, died unexpectedly June 22, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio. He is survived by his wife Kelli, beloved daughters Shannika, Lexie and Chelsea, mother Molly Hastings (Barclay), father Donald Burns (Barbara), grandmother Marilyn Welty, stepbrother Tim Bohannon, two nieces, three nephews, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Burns. Brian was a graduate of Columbus Academy, American University and The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law where he was Editor of the Law Review and awarded the Order of the Coif. Brian practiced in New York City with the prominent Wall Street law firms Cleary, Gotlieb, Steen and Hamilton, Sullivan and Cromwell and Reed Smith and in Miami with Gray Robinson. He was also able to practice abroad in Germany, Hong Kong and Australia. Brian served in-house as Deputy General Counsel for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, clerked for the Hon. Judge R. Guy Cole, Jr. in the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, and was an Adjunct Professor for The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law for Mergers and Acquisitions. He had made his way home to Ohio and was partner at the prominent law firm Bricker & Eckler in downtown Columbus. Brian was an extraordinary human being who extended mentorship, friendship, kindness and generosity to countless people during his life journey. Many of these encounters evolved into lifelong friendships he cultivated with a loving spirit and desire to see others succeed and achieve their goals. Most notably, Brian was a proud family man and he loved his family with all his heart. However, nothing could compare to the love he had for his daughters. He felt most proud and accomplished in life when he was doing what he cherished most, being Daddy to Shannika, Lexie and Chelsea. Despite much career success, nothing came close to the devotion he had for his three girls. While remembered by all as an incredible man, he will be loved and missed most by the daughters he loved so fiercely. A private service was held in Columbus for immediate family. A “Celebration of Life” for friends and family to honor Brian will be held in Columbus on September 29th. The Brian E. Burns Family Memorial Fund has been established for the well being and education of Brian’s family. Contributions can be deposited at any Chase Bank location by mentioning the name of the account with the key word Florida “Brian E. Burns Family Memorial Fund-Florida” contributions can also be mailed to Chase Bank, 912 S Tillotson Ave, Muncie, IN 47304. Attention: Marjorie Harper. The family is grateful and appreciative of your kind wishes and prayers. For details regarding Memorial Service, please contact Kelli Burns at kelliburns@aol.com