Kim Burnet

Patricia "Kim" Burnet was a woman with an immense heart and a lively spirit. Through the challenges of life, she embraced her family and they drew strength from one another. She truly loved and was loved.

Kim was born at a time when America was enjoying the peace and prosperity of post-WWII optimism. With the Supreme Court decision to desegregate public education, the stance of Americans like Rosa Parks, and the rising prominence of Martin Luther King, Jr. the civil rights movement became a dramatic force in U.S. history. Growing families launched the baby boom era and worked to make the American Dream a reality. Television was bringing the world into homes across the nation, and rock 'n roll music was being broadcast around the world. In Marion, Illinois, Ronald and Patsy (Bourland) Burnet welcomed the birth of their lovely daughter, Patricia, on October 6, 1955. She was the second child of the family that eventually included three beautiful children: Gene, born in 1953 and Donna, born in 1957.

Kim's father was a research engineer and her mother worked in the home while the children were young. Until the age of eight, Kim grew up in Muskegon, Michigan. In time, the family moved near her grandparents in Kalamazoo, where Kim's mother worked at the State Hospital. Her grandparents had a place on West Lake in Portage, and Kim enjoyed all aspects of life on the lake.

In Portage, Kim was active in the First Baptist Church and she attended Portage Central High School. After graduation in 1973, Kim married her high school sweetheart, Tom Pott, and got a job as a nurses' aid at the State Hospital, where she worked for the next 16 years. After a few years, Kim and Tom divorced and she remarried. Kim and her husband, Jeff Lindahl, were blessed with a son, Justin, born in 1983. Justin enjoyed the luxury of being an only son on whom Kim could lavish her joy. He was a fine athlete who excelled in sports, especially football. Kim was his #1 fan, watching and cheering him on at Portage Northern High. Kim's marriage to Jeff and then to Fred Barrios did not last, but the constant love in her life was her son Justin. They had a remarkable bond. Their love for one another was deep and their relationship strong.

Throughout her life, family was very important to Kim. She was sure to attend family reunions in Shakamak, Indiana. It was a highlight of the year to be able to get everyone together and celebrate family. In the past five years, Kim moved into her mother's home to help look after her. But, in truth, they helped each other. She was good to her mother and her mother was good to her.

Kim was a beautiful, fun-loving person. She enjoyed parties and BBQ with family and a core group of friends with whom she shared good times. Her home was filled with rock 'n roll music and cats, Taz and Fluffy.

Kim was outgoing and funny, loving and caring. She will be mourned and missed by those who love her dearly.

Patricia "Kim" Burnet, age 50 of Kalamazoo, died April 26, 2006 at her home. Learn more about Kim, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Friday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOME, BETZLER-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive (West of US-131) 375-2900 where services will be held Saturday 1:00 PM with burial at Genessee Prairie Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her nephew C.D. Laws in 1998. Members of Kim's family include her son Justin of Portage; her mother Patsy Burnet of Kalamazoo, brother, Gene (Debbie) Burnet of Grand Rapids, sister, Donna Birkhold of Kalamazoo; two nieces Cassie Nankee of Kalamazoo and Angie Burnet of Warner Robins, GA. To read Kim's complete life story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Griffen Place, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com