Don Burns

Don Burns, a man who experienced years of exciting adventures is off on the greatest adventure of all. He was blessed with 85 wonderful years and was looking forward to Heaven. His last days were filled with love and laughter. He slipped into the arms of Jesus May 9, 2011. Don is survived by his wife, six daughters, one son, one stepson, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Born in Brookline, Mass. on July 31, 1925, Don graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. He served in the Navy during WWII. Don was a senior executive and board member of Ekco Products, Los Angeles and Chicago; president and chairman of Prestige Automotive Group (Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Datsun), Garden Grove, Calif., Sail Chevrolet Laguna Beach, Calif.; founding chairman of Newport National Bank and Newport Harbor Bank, Newport Beach, Calif.; Oceania Helicopter Service, Newport Beach, Calif.; Ocean Air, Puerto Rico, and Chairman Prestige Holdings LTD.

He was the owner of California Sun Soccer Team, Orange County, Calif. and Lawrence Winery, San Luis Obispo, Calif.; director of five NYSE Companies and one American Stock Exchange company. He was on the Board of California State University, Orme School of Arizona and Rancho Santiago College Foundation, Santa Ana, Calif.; a founding member and past president Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council, president and chairman of the Donegan Burns Foundation.

Retired from his successful career as a business executive, Don remained active as an investor, philanthropist and entrepreneur. He was known for his generosity to charitable organizations particularly ones which benefited children and animals.

Avocations included flying, skiing, auto racing, yachting, fishing, hunting and scuba diving. Among his many lifetime adventures Don piloted his King Air B-100 around the world and skippered his yacht Resolute from Alaska across the North Atlantic through the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the ABC Foundation whose mission is to keep kids out of gangs and drugs. Send to ABC Foundation c/o Dr Robert Murad, 6651 Fisk Ave, San Diego CA 92122.