Daniel "Riley" Burns

Daniel “Riley” Burns, age 54, passed away January 13, 2020 following a courageous battle against amyloidosis.

Riley was born in Orange, CA to Joyce and Dan Burns on July 3, 1965.  He spent most of his childhood years in Glenwood, MN and graduated from high school in 1983.  He attended St. John’s University and received his BA in 1990 from the U of M, Duluth double majoring in German and Political Science.  Riley spent most of his adult years in Seward, AK.  He worked at Icicle Seafoods, and, more recently, was employed by Anderson Tug and Barge since 2004 as a credentialed Mate of Towing.  He spent many years moving freight along the coasts of Alaska and the last few years he tendered coal and cruise ships in Seward’s port.

He enjoyed his life in Alaska.  As a long-time homeowner and founder of a community forum in Seward, Riley enjoyed his relationships and his intellectual debates.  He loved his time at sea, his walks with Lunkers, and his daily Seward rounds.  He also was a worldly traveler.  From the tip of the Aleutian Islands to the summit of Kilamanjaro, Riley covered a lot of ground. He traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and even took passage on the Trans-Siberian railway.  Travel for Riley contributed greatly to the person he was.  He was also an avid reader and music lover, and he enjoyed being called a “foodie.”

Riley is survived by his sister, Mary Burns of Faribault, MN; his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Teresa Burns of Minneapolis, MN; niece, Shanna (Aaron) Filzen; three nephews, Mackenzie and Charlie Burns and Joe Matejcek; and close friend, Amy Haddow of Seward, AK.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce and Dan Burns, and by Lunkers his dog and the “love of his life”.

Memorial services are being planned for early this summer and details will be announced.