UNION — Timothy Burns, 70, of Union, passed away on September 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at Pen Bay Medical Center. Born on January 2, 1954, Tim was known for his kind, loving, and humorous nature, often lighting up any room with his sarcasm and wit.

Tim graduated from Medomak Valley High School in 1972. He was a National Honor Society scholar and a varsity athlete in baseball, basketball, and soccer. He was also a member of the 1970 Medomak Valley Class B Maine State Championship Baseball Team, which was inducted into the Maine State Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. He furthered his education at the University of Maine at Farmington where he met his best friend, Dale Leighton. Throughout the years they always made time to play cards and joke around together. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Maine at Augusta. His professional life was marked by a successful career as a talented carpenter and the owner of Countryside Builders in Union, Maine. His work not only showcased his craftsmanship, but also his dedication to his family as he built them beautiful furniture and homes.

Tim was a devoted father and grandfather who always supported his children’s interests and goals. He attended numerous sports games, dance recitals, band concerts, and award ceremonies while his children were growing up and was always there when they needed him, whether it was helping with math assignments, jump shots, pitches, moves to college, or life in general. He also coached many successful little league baseball and high school basketball teams, including some of his son’s teams. More recently he enjoyed attending his granddaughter’s sports games and dance recitals. Throughout the years he has also enjoyed attending Patriots and Red Sox games, riding his Honda Windjammer motorcycle, and playing golf. He began a relationship with his significant other, Lyn, in 2011. Since then they have enjoyed traveling to warmer places during the winter and spending time with their family and friends. He has been lovingly known as “Papa” by all their grandchildren.

Tim is survived by his significant other, Marilyn (Lyn) Athearn; children, Alana Burns and Jonathan Burns; daughter-in-law, Rachel Burns; and grandchildren, Olivia and Jackson Burns. 

His extended family includes his mother, Eva Niemi Burns; sisters Irene Hawes, Karen Burns, Cynthia Van Gaalen, Theresa Henry, Angela Burns, and Valerie Belyea; brothers-in-law, Ron Hawes, John MacDonnell, and Tom Belyea; sister-in-law, Jean Burns; and numerous other extended family members. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Burns, Sr.; brother, Chester Burns, Jr.; sister Susan Burns; and brothers-in-law Arthur Henry and Bill Van Gaalen.

No one could ask for a more loving partner, father, grandfather, sibling, and friend. Tim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

A private small family gathering will be held to honor his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Come Spring Food Pantry in Union, Maine. Checks can be sent to Come Spring Food Pantry, PO Box 524, Union, Maine, 04862. Donations can also be made online (https://comespringfp.org/). 

Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.