Bill Burnett

September 24, 1937 - December 24, 2021

William F Burnett passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve surrounded by his three sons. He was 84. He is survived by his loving sons Brian, Matthew (Noelle), Billy; his wife Joyce Burnett; and three grandchildren. He is also survived by nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Mary Burnett, brother, Ted Burnett Jr (SPHS '51) and sister, Molly Burnett Wilde.

A San Marino native, Bill spoke fondly and often about his memories of family and love growing up in San Marino. His father was the mayor and 15-year city council member of San Marino and his mother the first pianist for San Marino Community Church. Bill graduated from Claremont Men's College in 1959 and went on to pursue a lifelong career in commercial real estate where he played an active role in the transformation of the southern California landscape over the last 60+ years. He joined Coldwell Banker (CBRE) in 1960 and was responsible for the original leasing of some of the area's most iconic shopping destinations, including the Glendale Galleria and Puente Hills Mall. In 1976 he left to found Burnett Development Company and developed over one million square feet of shopping centers throughout southern California.

He married Joyce in 1971 and they made their home in San Marino until 1992 before moving to Rancho Santa Fe and then Sun Valley, Idaho, and returning to San Marino in 2000. Bill traveled the world in his youth, was a thinker, a believer, an example in grace, and a champion of American values and opportunity. A man of unrelenting spirit and optimism, he gave courage and strength to those close to him. Enriched by life's simplicities he was happy with a long neck Mexican beer in one hand and grilling a Howie's tri-tip in the other. He was a devoted father who raised boys to be men.

The Family of Bill Burnett

*******************************************

Our classmates are like family, and it is always with sorrow that we must say goodnight to another member. I do remember some good laughs Bill and I shared at school. Farewell, old pal. See you a little later.

Warren Stirling '55