OK…. here is the truth… I’ve been putting off creating this post for several weeks because HOW do you fit all the feelings, memories, photos, experiences, recollections and thoughts about your dad into a post!? I finally decided it’s simply not possible to fit it all into a post, so, I will just share a few photos, memories and the lovely memorials we enjoyed over the past month to celebrate our dad, Jim Burns. He went to be with our Lord on March 28.
So, let’s start with the most recent memorial event, a lovely afternoon at the Sierra Madre Creative Arts Group (in So. California) where my dad taught watercolor classes for many years! My brother, Peter, and I had a lovely afternoon greeting so many friends, neighbors, artists and family members who joined us at to celebrate and remember our dad, as well as enjoy some of his watercolors on display.
The Creative Arts Group, where he taught watercolor classes for many years, hosted this lovely event and displayed dozens of his works of art. The weather was perfect, and we were so happy that so many dear people could gather together to share special memories!
Our dad, an architect by profession, painted since his childhood. He was super talented (in my humble opinion) 🙂 and we are blessed to have dozens of his paintings in our home. I love knowing that so many other people also have some of his artwork hanging in their homes as well!
Above: a classic photo of my dad in the ’60’s at the architectural firm he worked at for several decades in Pasadena, CA.
Below: teaching watercolor classes and a book he wrote about watercoloring tips and basics!!!
Below: a couple of years ago.. my brother, my dad and I. Good memories!
Jenny Lake Memorial
In September, Eric, Jason and I met my brother, his wife, their 2 girls and families at Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons, Wyoming. We planned this visit to have a small family memorial service for my dad… because… in the 40’s my dad drove the tourist boat across Jenny Lake as a summer job during high school!! We took the same boat across Jenny Lake, walked around a bit, and also enjoyed a wonderful family time talking about dad and our mom.
It was a GORGEOUS day and I know dad would wanted to have been there painting at the lakeside… we just stood in awe of God’s handiwork!!
Below is the boat we took across the lake, in memory of dad!
As I said in the beginning of this post.. it’s impossible to begin to share all the thoughts I have about my dad in one post, but I hope you enjoyed sharing these memories with me.
This was the lovely flyer that the Creative Arts Group put together for my dad’s celebration of life.
You will be forever in my heart, dad. Love you!! I know you are painting all the glorious beauty in Heaven!!
Want to leave a comment? Please CLICK HERE.
Shop Online Anytime and Earn FREE STAMPS
SHOP and SAVE: Last Chance List
All my Favorites on Amazon - as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Join my Luv 2 Stamp Team of demonstrators – click for info
Sign Up for my Customer Newsletter
MY FREE VIDEOS tutorials
Patty, Having just lost my mother on August 22, I felt sort of raw with emotion and I certainly identified with your loss as you recounted the life of your dad. Sounds like your father was lovely and so talented (like his daughter, I might add). Thank you for sharing your memories. It helps us, your readers, know you better, and it helps us process our own grief.
You wrote a beautiful tribute to your dad, Patty. It’s a life passage when we have lost both parents. I’m sure his painting brought him much happiness (as our stamping does for us!).
Patty. What an amazing and talented Dad. You and your brother are blessed to have such beautiful memories and tributes. We all know that your Dad continues to live on through you as you too are amazing, talented and generous in all that you do and the lives you touch through your blog and so much more.
What a beautiful post and tribute to your dad. He is certainly painting creating the most beautiful masterpieces again. Lots of Hugs.
What a great tribute to your father.
What beautiful memories you shared. My heart is with you and your family. I could visualize your dad looking down on you all smiling and sending vibes to let you know he was well and at peace. May God hold you tight and keep you strong. Such a lovely family he had.
11-3-21
Patty: What a lovely memorial about your Father. He certainly was very talented.
Blessings,
Roxie Arnot (neighbor of Sandy Hancock before she moved away)
Beautiful pictures & lovely memories, Patty! Your father’s paintings are stunning!
Thank you for sharing. The Creative Arts Group wrote a perfect Celebration of Life invitation.
Sounds like you all have good memories of your dad. Sorry for your loss. Hugs Anne
Saying goodbye to Your knight in shining armor is so very hard. It is my belief that God gave us the power of memory so that we could visit anytime we need to May all your sweet memories bring you comfort and peace and a smile on your pretty face.
I think it is lovely that you will be creating many different posts to honor and celebrate your Dad. Too many good memories and pictures to try to do it all in one post. We look forward to looking at and reading more to come!! What a lovely tribute to a wonderful person. Hugs – Lisa
So glad you have such a nice memories of your dad. From what I can see his paintings were beautiful. I see where you get your art talent. Does your brother or any of the grandkids have it too?
So hard to loose a loved one. Have been through this many times and it still brings tears to my eyes.
Thinking of you. Keep those wonderful memories.
Hugs. Edna
Blessings to you and your family. He must have been a great dad whose love of art carries on with you.
Beautiful memories! You get your amazing creative skills from your Dad. Hugs to you! ❤❤
What a lovely, lovely tribute, Patty. I’m sure your Dad is very proud of your artistic talent, as well! Thanks so much for sharing this.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing some of your memories. How Blessed to have had such a talented, loving dad. Praying for God’s comfort for you and your family.
Beautiful tribute to your Dad. Brought tears and memories to me of my mom. Thank you for your beautiful words.
Very well done, Patty. I can see where your creative talent comes from. This was a lovely tribute to your Dad.
How wonderful to have sweet memories. It is so nice to hear wonderful stories these days about happy and family love. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your dad’s memorial with us! A beautiful tribute to a loving and very talented man! And Jenny Lake!! That’s one of my favorite spots!!
Thank you for sharing. I’m sure his artistic self was proud of your creations with stamps, paper, and ink. One of the things I love about our SU family is that our families are so important to us. Pics of parents, Gkids, etc. are as likely to show up on a blog as the next project or promotion. If a FB Live is cancelled because of family, we support each other and are concerned for that person, not the missed video. Keep sharing your dad and his creations as his legacy lives on . . .
I to understand your feelings, as one who has wonderful memories of my Dad. It is the memory’s that help us to continue on in life. I send my sympathy for your loss.
You have so many beautiful memories of your father and so many wonderful paintings!!! He will live on forever in those beautiful works of art.
What a beautiful tribute! God blessyou and your family.
Wow, his paintings are absolutely beautiful! I’m so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. I totally agree with you about his extreme talent. His paintings are so beautiful and varied. The trip across Jenny Lake is such a peaceful and beautiful trip. I’m sure it was full of many emotions. Each time you look at the many paintings you have from your Dad, he will be there with you. What a legacy he has left you. Love and Hugs,
What a lovely post. You were very fortunate to have a loving relationship with your dad, and your faith is inspiring. It’s easy to overlook God’s influence in our lives, but your reminder of the beauty of His world and the importance of family much appreciated. I don’t want to take the good things in life for granted. Thank you for the reminder.
I absolutely love this. So, so blessed!! His painting look amazing!!
Beautiful memories and awesome photos. We see where you get your creativity and feel for design. Such a talented dad. So blessed to have so many of his paintings to keep his memory always in your heart. Thanks for sharing that with all of us who love and appreciate you so much.
Patty, that was an amazing boat ride tribute for your father. I want to thank you for sharing these special memories of your fathers life!
What beautiful memories! Thanks for sharing them with everyone, Patty.
What a beautiful tribute to your dad ❤️. I have my mom’s watercolor painting s in every room in my house. What great memories for you and your family.
Such a wonderful way to celebrate Dad’s life. His work is beautiful.
What a lovely and talented man. Thank you so much for sharing his life and talent with us.
Patty,
Your beautiful post brought tears to my eyes.
What a talented man who contributed so much to his family & community. Sometimes when we see our parents, especially while growing up, we only see them as parents. But we discover they were talented with many interests.
Thank you for sharing your life with us, your loyal fans.
Dear Patty, thank you for sharing this post about your father. I understand now where you get your creativity. He was a wonderful artist and has influenced many people over the years. May the Lord’s choicest blessings be yours and may your loving memories be of comfort to you and your family during the following years. Thank again for sharing your Dad with us and for all the creative projects you share.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of your father. Incredibly talented, as is his lovely daughter.
what a beautiful tribute too your dad. i lost mine in 2008 and the memories we have are tresures we have thank you for sharing
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your Father’s paintings he was a wonderful artist. I love the picture of Yosemite…it’s my favorite place to visit. It is where I see all of God’s strength and glory…so peaceful.
A very beautiful tribute to your dad. Sounds like he was a true Christian, too, so you have the reassurance of seeing him one day!
Patty – What a beautiful tribute to a much loved and very talented man. It’s a heartache for sure, to lose your dad, but I know you find comfort in your faith, knowing he is with our Father in Heaven, and all your wonderful memories of your time together. Thanks so much for sharing 😉❤️
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
What beautiful memories you have. God BLess.
Thanks for sharing your memories and pictures. Prayers are with you and your family!
Beautiful memory
Very LOVELY!!!
Such a beautiful life shared with us, thank you Patty 💕
I started a comment and it disappeared. You honored your Dad so wonderful
He seemed like such a wonderful and talented man.
Hello Patty from Australia. Thank you so much for sharing your Dad’s memorial with us. I always loved it when you showed his paintings in your newsletters. Beautiful tribute.
What a wonderful write up today. Thank you for sharing. Now I see just how you come by your artistic ability – so natural. Have a wonderful day.
I’m so sorry for your loss. What wonderful memories.
Patty:
So sad to lose our parents, mine both left this earth within 2 months f each other this year. Our memories are what keeps us going, that and our family and friends. Thanks for sharing!
So sorry for your loss Patty, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️
Patty,
What a special, beautiful tribute to your wonderfully talented dad! Your artistic ability certainly comes naturally. Thank you for sharing. May he rest in peace.
What a lovely tribute to your Dad. It was wonderful that you and your family were able to celebrate his life with such meaningful and fun events! Blessings to you and your family.
What lovely memorials for remembering your beloved Dad! Life’s never the same for those of us who got to be Daddy’s little girl – but we press on. Glad you have so very many people surrounding you to bring back great memories along your way.
Just so you know – I’m an SU demo in Massachusetts and LOVE to check out the great cards and other projects you make. It’s a wonderful craft and way to express our creativity, AND make like-minded friends.
May your memories and the love of friends and family bring comfort.
That was a very touching memorial for your Dad. I can see where your creative talent comes from in your card designs which I follow passionately. I have been stamping for 20 years and finally became a demo a year ago. I can only hope to achieve a small amount of the talent you have but keep inspiring us with your creations. I am sure your Dad was proud of your creations as well. He will be smiling down on your achievements for sure. Thanks for sharing these lovely memories.
Patty, my thought with you and your family. Your dad’s influence is one reason why I watch your videos since I learned from you how to watercolor cards. You mentioned your dad – thank you and take care.
Beautiful tribute to your day and lovely to read.
Your Dad’s watercolors are beautiful. My Mom also did watercolors. Their techniques were very similar. Such wonderful treasures to have to remember them by. I was going to share a couple of Mom’s with you but guess that isn’t possible here.
I have as water color, I’m in Colorado. #9523, August 10 1995. I picked it up only for the frame that it was in. Then I read the back where he signed it and I looked it up. I would hate to get anything to happen to this that just because I wanted the frame. Would you know anybody that’d be interested?.
Are you able to send me a photo of it at pattystamps@comcast.net
I also have a painting of your dads. (It’s a tropical harbor scene), joan was a long time patient in the dental office I work in Arcadia , and one day Jim and Joan asked me to come out to their car and choose 2 paintings as gifts! One is hanging in our office and the other in my living room. Such a sweet man always enjoyed talking to him while he was waiting for Joan. Blessings to your family.