Ronald Joseph Burns, 83, Surrey, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2012 in a Minot nursing home after a battle with lung cancer.

Ron was born on December 10, 1928 in Minot to Paul and Elizabeth (Faulds) Burns. He was raised and educated in Surrey. As a young adult he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge he returned to Surrey.

Ron married Rose Adell Madsen on June 5, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church near Kenmare.

They made their home in Surrey and Ron worked for a few years as a brakeman for the Burlington Northern Railroad; however, he retired in 1999 after driving for 30 years for Cenex Transportation. He was very proud to have driven nearly 2 million miles without an accident.

An active member of Hope Lutheran Church, Ron served on the church council, was the head usher for many years and could be found doing whatever needed to be done at the church including mowing the grass. In addition, he helped the city quite often if they needed an extra hand and he volunteered as a firefighter for the Surrey Fire Department. In 2006, Ron was awarded the North Dakota League of Cities "Hometown Hero" award. As a strong supporter of Surrey School, Ron served on the school board, enjoyed conversing with the students and driving bus. Many of the kids were anxious for him to be "their" bus driver. Ron spent many of his summer vacations as the superintendant of the horse barns at the North Dakota State Fair. Ron was an announcer at local horse shows and also spent time hauling rodeo stock and working behind the chutes for Calvin Nelson. He has served on the Boards of Directors for the Roughrider Rodeo Association and Minot Trail Riders.

In his spare time, Ron enjoyed reading about U.S. history, especially Native American history and culture. Sometimes, he could be found watching his favorite cartoons of Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry and the Road Runner.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Rose; daughter, Susan Brandt of Surrey; son, Robert (Robin) Burns of Granville; grandchildren, Tanya Brandt, Bismarck, Shannon Brandt, Killdeer, Ashlee Burns, Granville and Jake Burns, Velva; brother, Keith (Gerry) Burns of Surrey; sister-in-law: Gladys (Phil) Estes of Wellington, CO as well as 4 nephews, 1 niece and several cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Service : Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Hope Lutheran Church, Surrey.
Fellowship: Surrey Senior Citizens Center following the graveside service.
Interment : Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Surrey.
Visitation : Friday, February 10, 2012 from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.