King Burns part of the Phoenix steel guitar family passed

[Joe Naylor]

If you have attended any of the Southwestern Steel Guitar Association events including our shows you will remember King - he was a gentle giant and loved the steel guitar.

Raised on a ranch and loved country music.

As you came in to any of our shows you will have seen "Bull Dog" Brown who checks badges and with that half a smile King was always near by.

King and Gloria (her real name) did not miss any event we have had. King has been ill for some time now but always managed to gather enough strength to come to our events. In March we had a jam and we all knew he was not doing well but he was there with that smile. He told me that there would only be one way that he would not be there and that was if he was not breathing.

RIP Mr King we will all miss you.

Joe Naylor
www.steelseat.com

[Merrill & Vangie Fich]

Sorry to hear this news! We loved King and always looked forward to seeing him at the SWSGA events. He fought a brave fight, and he is now at peace and out of pain. RIP dear friend. Our love and prayers go out to Gloria. We love you!

[Herb Steiner]

A tragedy I knew was coming has taken place.

King and Gloria had a special bond with me because my product table was always next to the front door of the auditorium. We'd chat endlessly and King would look after my table if I was away doing something else.

"Gentle Giant" is a totally apt description of this wonderful man. The Phoenix show, wonderful as it is and getting better all the time, will somehow now be missing an important element for me.

Rest easy, my King, your burdens are over.

[bruce fischer]

prayers to the burns family. bruce & lynn

[Rick Ulrich]

I was told this was going to happen, but somehow you just push it out of your mind and expect prayer to bring miracles. Our Heavenly Father wanted King with him rather than with us. God knows best. King and Gloria have definitely been fixtures at the Phoenix show. King's absence will be felt for many years. I just pray that our Heavenly Father will bless Gloria and bring her comfort during this most difficult time. King, you were a very good friend to the SWSGA and each and every member. Rest in peace my gentle friend.

[Sam Marshall]

I am so sorry to learn of King's passing. He & Gloria always put a smile on my face at SWSGA gatherings. My thoughts are with Gloria at this time. I will treasure King's sketch that I purchase at a SWSGA auction.

With sympathy,
Sam

[Joe Naylor]

Gloria Brown, said that it was King's wish that there'd be no funeral or memorial service. He was cremated this afternoon and his ashes will be sprinkled over the Superstition Mountains, as per his decree.

Gloria "Bulldog" said she will continue to be active with future SWSGA events. She seemed to be in good spirits...she knew the end was near and had been mentally prepared.

So we can all look forward to Gloria being at the show door.


Joe Naylor
www.steelseat.com

[Frank Carter]

GLORIA,
Remember you are surrounded by Love.
Frank & Fran

[Billy Easton]

The SWSGA as well as the entire steel guitar community has lost one of our best in the form of King Burns. He will indeed be missed by each of us. His gentle ways always seemed to over ride any other feelings except for his enthusiasm for the steel guitar and its music. King and Gloria have been invaluable to our association and I have been assured that Gloria will continue to take a large role. God Bless you King and Gloria; you are jewels!!

Billy and Meriul Easton

[Al Risbeck]

So sorry to hear this, Dixie & I will miss him for sure, but we will be glad Gloria will be there to "check us in" she always gives me a bad time about my ID badge being turned backwards or my having forgot to put it on. We have had fun with both her and King. King will probably find the "lost Dutchman " now that he will be up there with time to look for it.

Al & Dixie Risbeck

[Ron Whitworth]

So very sorry to hear this about King.
Gentle Giant are the appropriate words to describe him for sure..
He was such a nice man & will be missed by
all who ever met him.
Out thoughts & prayers are with Gloria & the rest of their families.
Ron & Chris Whitworth

[Fred Martin]

That was a really nice gentleman. I got one of his calenders that he made to support the club this year. My condolences to Gloria and the family.