My role model, my father, passed away...

My Father, Joe Burns, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 26th. While that may not seem like an appropriate message to post on LinkedIn, I attribute my success in the business world to the leadership qualities he instilled in me. I was fortunate to have my Father as a role model. He helped propel my growth as a leader, and I know his influence will only get more valuable as I progress in my career. In addition, he modeled and passed down an amazing work ethic to me. He would say, "you may not be the best athlete or the smartest person in the room, but you can outwork them." He often stressed the importance of being consistent with your actions, excelling at what you do, and helping others.??

My Father was in the "People First" club; as a matter of fact, I feel he led it. He genuinely wanted to know about people, from a waiter at a restaurant to a lady taking his money at a gas station. He had the wonderful gift of being a natural conversationalist. People walked away from his interactions feeling great because he took interest and time to listen to them. Anyone that worked for or crossed Joe's business path would call him a great friend, a mentor, and someone who would never turn away anyone who needed help or advice.?

Over the past several days, words have repeatedly come up again and again in conversations with friends and family. The people who had known my Father a lifetime to people who had met him only once. They say.. he was a mentor, always smiling, a sweet man, he was a caring man, he always made me feel better about myself….he was so kind.

He had a positive outlook on everything and openly shared his perspective, experience, and wisdom every time we spoke. He was quick with praise; however, he never compromised the high expectations he would hold of me and challenged me to exceed my goals.?

Last week I received my last email from my Father; he continued his great parenting; he knew my family was going through some challenges/changes. He stated the following to me: "Going forward, change is always hard, and we always want things to be the way they were. ? However, when you are 81yrs you realize change is the order of the day, then you live with the old saying..God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

The statement he shared with me above has new meaning for me this week. I have never experienced a loss like this before, and I am still processing that I will never see him again or see his name pop up on my phone to provide me with his wisdom and guidance. But, even though I can't give him a quick ring to get his perspective like I used to do, I can still reflect on my memories and hear his voice.

My Father will be missed by many, especially his wife, Mary Ellen Burns, of 52 years, my wife Joey, my brother Dr. Robert Burns and his wife Kari, my sister Katie Lindsey and her husband, Frank. His nine grandchildren, his sister Mary Agnes Gage, and over twenty-five nieces/nephews.

I am blessed to be surrounded by my immediate family during this difficult time and my co-workers and colleagues at NTT Data Business Solutions. The kindness, sympathy, and compassion shown to me by them is rare, and I do not take it lightly. This week, the leadership team has allowed me to be physically and mentally present for my family. I can't thank them enough for this opportunity.??

My Father devoted his life to his family, his work, and his faith. I will miss him every day. But, I know he is at peace with God.

Joseph M. Burns - Obituary