George Charles Burns

It is with deep sadness, we announce the sudden passing of George C. Burns “Chuck” of
Center Harbor, New Hampshire, at the age of 85.
Chuck is pre-deceased by his parents, George and Elizabeth Burns, his brother Robert
Burns, his dearest childhood friend Gary Fredrickson, daughter Beth Ellen Burns and his
wife of 62 years and love of his life Ellen Dowds Burns.
Surviving Chuck is his son Scott (Sandra) Burns of Moultonborough, NH, Daughter Jennifer
(Carl) Burdick of Vestal NY, grandchildren Cody (Kerstyn) Burns of Meredith NH, Brett Burns
of Moultonborough, NH, Megan Burdick of Durham, NH, Brenna Burdick of Durham, NH ,
Nicholas Burdick of Vestal, NY and brother Bruce Burns of Oden, IN, nieces, nephews,
grandnieces and grandnephews and countless dear friends.
Chuck was born in Springfield Massachusetts in 1939 and grew up on a Dairy farm in
Somers Connecticut. With his father working out of town, much of the responsibility of the
farm landed on Chuck’s shoulders. Farm life instilled in him a powerful work ethic,
resiliency, problem solving skills, and his sense of accountability. His childhood hobbies
usually involved building something – preferably with wheels. In his teens he built a
wooden sailboat, countless car motors, and he was usually found at some racing event,
whether on water, dirt or asphalt. After graduating from Rockville High School in 1958
Chuck entered Hartford Regional Technical school studying tool, die and mold making.
Chuck completed his 8000-hour apprenticeship at Amco Manufacturing in Windsor, Ct.
Chuck and Ellen married in 1961 and built their first home in Somers, CT. In 1974 Chuck
and Ellen moved their young family to Randolph VT, where Chuck continued his career as a
machinist at G.W. Plastics.
In 1976, Chuck took a leap of faith and opened his own company, Burns Machine, Inc. in
Meredith, NH. Chuck and Ellen were the first 2 employees, working together to build a
company that quickly grew into a specialty machine shop with over 20 employees, securing
contracts with the US Government, the Military and even the Space Shuttle program. He
was also known as the guy around town who could design and mill just about any part for
anyone or anything. His precision toolmaking and machining and Burns Machine was
renowned for quality. Retiring in the 90’s, Chuck became a manufacturing consultant for
Anchor Electric and other manufacturing companies in the northeast.
In retirement, Chuck took a “summer job” on the M.S. Mount Washington where he loved
telling stories about Lake Winnipesaukee. In the winters Chuck and Ellen travelled in their
RV to the Florida Keys, across the U.S. with friends, and finally settling for more than15
seasons at Bonita Lake RV resort in Bonita Springs, Florida. In Bonita, you could count on
Chuck to call BINGO, cook for park-wide events, and lend a hand in fixing whatever
someone needed fixing. His quick wit, sassy comments, and his signature scotch in hand
at happy hour kept everyone entertained. He and Ellen made many lifelong friends in
Florida.
Chuck was civic minded. He was a Master Mason beginning his Freemason journey at
Lodge #69, Fayette, CT and receiving recognition for 60 years of service at the Chocurua
Lodge, #83 in Holderness, NH. He served as a selectman for the town of Center Harbor
and sat on the Center Harbor planning board for many years. Chuck was a dedicated
member of the Meredith Rotary club and played a role in starting the 1st Annual Great
Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby.
Chuck’s most proud achievement, if you asked him, would be his family. He spent
countless hours at ski meets, hockey games, dance recitals, baseball and softball games,
rugby matches, ice races and the like. He could be counted on as a volunteer, a coach,
referee or spectator at his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. The ultimate “papa” to
not only his own children and grandchildren, but to so many of their friends as well, ready
with a pat on the back, win or lose, and an anecdote with just the right lesson at just the
right time.
If you want to know what kind of man Chuck was, you just had to know him in the last 6
years. Not only did he take care of Ellen as her health declined, but he did so with grace
and grit. He always made sure that she was well taken care of and comfortable. He poured
his heart into being her sole caregiver for many years, no matter the challenges or
responsibilities. We take deep comfort in knowing that Chuck and Ellie are back together
again. Their love and commitment to one another was to be admired.
Chuck’s smile, laugh and cheeky sense of humor distinguished him and his reliability,
integrity, and honor guided him throughout his life. We are very fortunate to have learned
life lessons from such a principled and respected man. He wouldn’t want us to mourn, but
to remember him with a story, a laugh, and a toast, preferably with a glass of 12-year-old
scotch.
The family would like to thank Steve and Tamie Rhodes for their unwavering commitment to
Chuck while in Florida – he considered you family, and you were always there when either
he or Ellen needed you. We’d also like to thank Amanda and the crew at the Center
Harbor Diner where Chuck could be found most mornings enjoying breakfast and
conversation. We appreciate the love, care and patience you granted our Papa and Mimi.
At Chuck’s request, no services are planned at this time, and a private burial will be at the
family’s convenience. A celebration of life may be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Chuck’s memory to a charity of your choice. Consider
Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, or a local scholarship for
students studying a trade or machine tool, die and mold making.