As Wendover lays to rest his son, Donald Burnum, tributes continue to pour in for the Police Detective.
A 23 year veteran of the West Wendover Police Department Burnum was found dead July 3rd about five miles south of Wendover of a gunshot wound. No foul play is suspected.
Burnum was held in such high regard that even relatives of criminals he put in prison mourned his passing. Some of the comments include:
Claude Fratto Says:
July 3rd, 2015 at 11:12 am e
Donald was a good man and a good friend. He will be missed. So sad..
Myron Wood Says:
July 3rd, 2015 at 1:16 pm e
My heart is saddened. You were my best friend when we were just little shavers. Your super silly laugh and sparkling eyes always lit up my Life. Thank You for being my Friend. My deepest and sincerest condolences to Family and Friends…
Vicky (Doherty) Boudreaux Says:
July 3rd, 2015 at 2:58 pm e
My heart is heavy hearing this news!! Donald was an amazing person with a heart of gold. He was so compassionate when it came to my little brother and mom. The family has been in my prayers since I heard… May the peace of God be with you all.
July 3rd, 2015 at 3:43 pm e
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s been years since I lived in Wendover, but Donald was one of the first people I ever met. He was a good man and a good police officer. Prayers for his family and friends.
Diana
Teauhna Chavez Says:
July 3rd, 2015 at 3:57 pm e
Wow. It’s been a couple of decades since we last talked as friends. This is no way to catch up. I’m sad to say goodbye in such a circumstance and ache for Donald’s family.
Sandi Says:
July 3rd, 2015 at 8:52 pm e
You will be missed, thank you for everything, you were a kind and caring person.
Bonnie Griffin Says:
July 4th, 2015 at 12:49 am e
Donald was a good man and his family was so proud when he decided to become a police officer and continued to work his way up. He will be missed but still live in our harts.
Gary c Says:
July 5th, 2015 at 8:49 am e
What a loss! An amazing guy that will be missed by many!
Rob Clark Says:
July 6th, 2015 at 6:00 pm e
A very good friend. God speed Burnum.
Anonymous Says:
July 6th, 2015 at 6:57 pm e
Today I shed tears! There are no words to express the sadness that has overcome my soul as I learn of the death of a dear friend. Although I only knew Donald for a short time….the impact he has had on my life is immeasurable…One of the kindest most compassionate men I have ever met. Donald was a meticulous, articulate Detective. Worked tirelessly to find justice for victims and their families who had fallen into the viscous valley of crime and murder. Tonight, I will pray for Donald and his family and I will pray for answers as to why such a great human being has been taken from so many that admired and respected him and his life’s work. My condolences to West Wendover Police Department. I know you have lost a true comrade! And, my heartfelt condolences to his family. Huge loss!
your friend Says:
July 8th, 2015 at 1:02 am e
I don’t know why or how this could have happened. I feel like I should have been there more in the last few years. I hope to see you again. There’s a place in my heart for you that will never leave. We shared a common bond. We were brother’s that shared something very few know or have ever experienced. You will be forever missed and loved. I lost my brother the day you left. I love you. Rest in peace my friend.
Melissa Thompson Says:
July 12th, 2015 at 6:23 pm e
My brother was an amazing man whom not only touched the lives of family and friends but so many others in our community. He was very loved by so many, i only wish he could have seen how much. Our family is very thankful for all of the kind words and prayers.
A memorial service for Burnum was held Thursday at 2 pm at the Wendover Community Building in Wendover, Utah.
DEDICATION
The book, “The Mighty Companion” is dedicated exclusively to my one and only big brother, Donald Burnum. A man who after serving 23 years with The West Wendover Nevada Police Force committed suicide in the early morning hours of July 2nd, 2015.
My thoughts and prayers along with all of his family will be there for him in all of his endeavors regardless. Forever, and in all ways. As for the many people whose lives that have been touched by him along the way, he will always be remembered by us for that.
That means that this book, “The Mighty Companion” is dedicated by me solely as a memorial to him. Maybe now he will rest with the knowledge of being ever so loved? Even up until this very day. We will carry his memories with us forever, and he will always be missed and never forgotten by us. His friends and family of whom he so hastily has left behind.
And, for whatever reason he deemed necessary to take his own life, one that was so dear and precious to all of us, and to so many others regardless of what their needs may’ve been at that time. I hope that all of this has the same meaning to us as it does to all of them, and that whatever pain he may’ve been in is now over with.
But, I will miss you until the day I see you again Big Brother. But, un-til that day comes, please carry on in good faith and in good hope for the future. Whatever, and however you see fit for it to be. What-ever it is that God still holds in store for all of us we will be well. But until then, in good faith and in good time until the day that I can see you again! “May the Blessings Be?”