Dan Burtness’ life was celebrated yesterday in a remembrance service. One year ago, Burtness died after injuries sustained in a car accident in Montana.
Burtness was in a car with four other men when they hit a deer and then fishtailed into an oncoming pickup truck.
The Schumacher and McMillan communities organized the event to help remember Burtness' life and impact at Whitworth.
“The incoming freshmen who didn’t know Dan showed support and empathy for those who will still healing,” said junior Eric Vander Heyden, McMillan senator.
Vander Heyden said he remembers sitting in the basement of McMillan sharing a small chair with Burntess while playing Texas Hold’em. The cushion of the chair was on the verge of falling off, yet they continued to play.
Burntess was notoriously remembered by the Young Life community as the man in the banana suit, Vander Heyden said.
He said Burtness would put on the banana suit when the Yong Life team did the “banana song." Burtness's enthusiasm and excitement for Young Life made an impact on many high school students’ lives, Vander Heyden said.
“Dan is not dead. There are more people on this campus who are more dead than Dan is because he knew that he was loved by Christ,” Vander Heyden said.
Service
A service was held in the Chapel Wednesday to honor Burtness’ life.
Jerry Sittser, professor of theology, spoke to the audience on topics of expressing emotions and understanding that every moment is precious.
Sittser said he relates with the Burtness family and expressed his understanding that with time, the situation becomes easier. Burtness’s life will not be forgotten but will be a memory that will be carried with members of the Whitworth community every day, he said.
There are specific dates that we will never forget like birthdays and holidays, Sittser said. He described April 28, 2008 as a date that impacted all of Whitworth campus whether or not people personally knew Burtness.
Sittser said he spent time with the Burtness family when they visited Whitworth this past week.
During the service, the microphone was opened for those who wanted to share memories of Burtness. Many students shared scriptures that have encouraged them this past year and fond memories before his accident.
One student spoke on how Burtness' life taught them to be intentional with their life. Not knowing when or if you will see a person again can be frightful.
Another student shared a motto that Burtness would repeat almost daily: “Leave your dignity at the door."
Burtness was never scared about what others may think of him, the student said. He lived with his knowledge of being a loved disciple of Jesus. This saying has continued to impact students who have changed their life because of Burtness, the student said.
A bench was dedicated this fall in front of McMillan as a reminder of Burtness' life.
Contact Michella Sutherland at michella.sutherland@whitworthian.com.
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Service held in remembrance of Burtness' life
Published: Thursday, April 30, 2009
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2009
 "Photo: Michael Wittwer/Whitworthian")
Michael Wittwer/Whitworthian
Professor of theology Jerry Sittser speaks to the audience at a remembrance service for Dan Burtness in the Seeley G. Mudd Chapel on April 28. Burtness, a freshman in McMillan last year, died after injuries sustained in a car accident in Montana one year ago.
 "Photo: Michael Wittwer/Whitworthian")
Michael Wittwer/Whitworthian
Sophomore Dustin Benac, a McMillan resident, shared memories with the audience during the remembrance service April 28.
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