William (Bill) J. Burnett

William Joseph Burnett (Bill), born November 30, 1940, died January 16, 2021, at K.C. Hospice House. He was the son of Marceline and William E. Burnett, Jr. and the grandson of Carolyn and T. J. Pendergast and Margaret Cassidy and William E. Burnett, Sr. He was predeceased by sisters Marceline Blickhan and Barbara DeGraeve. He is survived by his nephew and wife, Jim and Jinny Blickhan, two great-nephews Alex and Brad, niece Marceline White, his grand (or great) nephew Roric Coletta, and the love of his life, Susan Matney. Bill felt that the greatest achievement of his life was his 36 years of continuous sobriety. He was intimately involved in Alcoholics Anonymous, making meetings and mentoring other recovering alcoholics. He adored our pets, Alex and Nikki and his most beloved hobby was charcoal grilling ‘meat’. Rain, snow, shine Bill could be found on his patio, checking the fire and the ‘meat’. His creative outlet was that patio. He got everything watered every few days and the flowers performed so beautifully for him. He blew the dirt and leaves off and chased squirrels away. He was very happy. He was also happy in the kitchen and was an exceptional cook. He loved to feed those people he loved! If he ever fed you, you know he loved you. Bill had the most infectious smile. His resting face seemed rather stern but it was completely transformed when he broke out that smile. He was extremely generous with his time and he was on the phone constantly during this pandemic with his friends. And he was a very happy guy. He had a great sense of humor and could always make me laugh. He always reminded me when things were upsetting – “We are sober today”!!! The family owes such deep gratitude to Dr. Neil Erickson, Bill’s primary care physician, for care that was above and beyond and personal for Bill and the kindness he showed me as Bill’s next of kin. Thanks to St. Joseph’s Hospital, especially the ICU unit for the care Bill received. And to K.C. Hospice. He was only there one day but they made him so comfortable and cared for, he was able to let go – and the environment helped all of us to let go a little bit. Thank you all. I am so grateful to my wonderful family and friends and to all my sober sisters and brothers and my sisters from St. Teresa’s high school. Your love and prayers carried me through this difficult journey. I can’t say thank you enough. “til we meet again, may the wind be at your back” Donations can be made to either St. Jude Children's Hospital or Alcoholic's Anonymous Kansas City Area Central Office, 200 E. 18th Ave., North Kansas City, Missouri 64116. Funeral services will be live streamed beginning at 3:00 P.M. Friday, January 22, 2021 at https://fb.me/e/2kL8sDRB2

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William (Bill) J. Burnett

November 30, 1940 - January 16, 2021