William James Burns (Bill), 84, passed away peacefully on January 3rd at 11:15 pm due to respiratory failure.  He had been bravely battling Parkinson's Disease for the past 12 years, and remained a positive influence on his family and friends throughout.

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1940, Bill was a highly educated chemical engineer who graduated from UCLA with a Master's degree in Mathematics. Driven and motivated, he found his purpose in life founding Resource Publications in San Jose and teaching computer science at De Anza College in Cupertino. Bill lived his life to the fullest with joy and laughter, finding deep appreciation in those around him. He had a notable sense of humor, and even in difficult or painful moments, he was quick with a joke to try and make everyone smile — including himself. He enjoyed many basketball games with his three sons while living on Rainbow Drive, near the courts. He always stayed active by walking, running, and hiking. Family dinners were important to him, and he never missed one. Music was another passion. He published a songbook, and on Christmas Eve the entire family joined in caroling. He played guitar, leading the first folk music Mass at Ascension Parish in Saratoga in the early 1970s. Additionally, he started a book discussion club where he relished stimulating lively debate. Bill's legacy endures through the countless lives he touched, the knowledge he generously shared, and the love that continues to inspire those who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his first wife of 31 years, Susan Burns, who was the mother of his four children: James, Sarah, Joshua, and Michael. In his final year, he practiced saying the names of his 10 grandchildren: Kevin, Emily, Wesley, Josie, Naomi, Sally, Autumn, Ashlee, Madeline, and Samantha.  In 2002, he married Martha Burns, gaining two stepsons, David and Michael Paradise (deceased), and more grandchildren: Amber, Gavin, Madison, and Bella. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Burns, and sister, Barbara Burns.

Over the past 8 years, Bill received wonderful care from many caregivers, including Patrick Monticello and Greg Foote, who cared for him from the beginning of his Parkinson's and have become part of the family.

There will be a rosary at 7pm on Thursday evening at the Alameda Family funeral home in Saratoga.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 am on Friday, January 10, at Villa Siena, 1855 Miramonte Avenue, Mountain View, with a reception to follow. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos.