Obituary - Ronald H. Burrows

MADISON - Ronald H. Burrows, age 62, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014, at St. Mary's Hospital. Per Ron's wishes, services will be private.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 19, 2014. Submitted by Cathy Swanson-Hayes (Class of 1966), sister of Ron Burrows.

Per Cathy's request, reprinted below is the long version of her brother's obituary, which was published on the Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care website: 

Obituary for Ronald H. Burrows 

Early the morning of July 17, 2014, Ron joined an extended family of loved ones and friends. He had taken steps to avoid pancreatic cancer, and he fought with determination and grace.

There are many people who were involved in his care that the family would like to thank, but the names are endless. Please know how grateful he was for each of you, beginning with Dr. Cambray who got the ball rolling with his concern for Ron's health; Dr. Matzke and the entire staff of St. Mary's Outpatient Care as well as the St. Mary's hospital staff were beams of light in a tough journey; and Dr. O'Mahar who carried him through his cancer treatment journey. He was indeed blessed by the care, concern, and cheering on of everyone involved. Because of that, he was determined to get healthy again.

Ron is survived by his sister, Cathy (John) Swanson-Hayes, his daughter Emily, and life partner Laurie Peterson, along with his dear friends, nephews and nieces. He had most recently lost another sister-Terry Burrows Orvold-who resided in Seattle.

The family is planning a service that will be announced at a later date when the timing is more comfortable.

Ron, where you are now we know you are riding a bike, walking a dog, swinging a bat and running bases again, riding white caps on a lake, tending to your tomatoes and peppers, strolling through farm fields, or at a pool table showing someone how a table run is done. He is now surrounded by many friends, family members, and animals alike who have gone before him. With consistent and contagious compassion, Ron always cherished the simplicity of life, reminding us each day to "Live simply so others may simply live." 

Note: Ron Burrows attended Madison Central High School, and is therefore an alumnus. However, according to his sister, Cathy: "My brother Ron also attended Central, did not graduate from there, but got his GED after attending East, after Central closed. Just as Central was about to close, my father died after being critically ill for seven years, which was most difficult for my younger bother, and negatively impacted his switch to a different high school, as it did for Terry and I as we finished at Central."