10/9/2008 6:00:00 AM
Former Kingman pastor, teacher dies in Louisiana
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KINGMAN - While the Rev. Weston J. Burnside Jr. left Kingman in the spring, he never left the hearts of those he met - even after his death on Saturday.
"He had a great heart for leading people into worship," College Park Baptist Church Pastor Denis Cronkright said. "He quickly worked his way into people's hearts."
Burnside, 47, served as a worship leader from fall of 2007 until May at College Park Baptist Church, Cronkright said. In the position, Burnside selected songs and built the worship team.
Burnside and Cronkright worked together at the church and also spent time together outside the church.
"He came to our church at a time when we were looking for a worship leader," Cronkright said. "He and I developed a great relationship, friendship."
Burnside helped College Park Baptist Church move from one service on Sundays to two services beginning Palm Sunday, Cronkright said.
It was at those two services this past Sunday Cronkright alerted the church members to Burnside's death and remembered his life.
Word also spread of Burnside's death through Kingman Unified School District, where he taught English at Kingman High for three years, Principal Pat Mickelson said. A number of teachers were upset with his death, Mickelson said.
"He was very compassionate to people's needs," she said.
His compassion and genuine nature were reflected by his peers and in the classroom.
"He was a man who cared deeply about kids," Mickelson said.
Burnside took his love a teaching to Mohave Community College where he taught English until spring semester in 2008 at the J. Leonard and Grace Neal Campus in Kingman.
Burnside had come to Kingman from Colorado Springs, Colo., to be a pastor at a local church, his sister Denise Burnside said.
"Weston said the Lord put it on him to move his family out there," Denise said.
Beyond his work at College Park Baptist Church, Denise said he served as a pastor at Oak Street Baptist Church and worked with Lon Abbott of Taylor D. Ranch and Recording Studios to create Christian music.
Weston regularly contributed faith columns to The Kingman Daily Miner.
"He lived there and made good friends with a lot of people," Denise said.
Weston moved to Louisiana at the end of summer to get his doctorate, Denise said.
He also was serving at First Baptist Christian Church in Slidell, La.
At 7:09 a.m. on Saturday, Slidell Police patrol units were dispatched to the 1900 block of Gause Boulevard in reference to a two-vehicle crash that involved a small pickup truck and a motorcycle driven by Weston.
Upon arriving, officers discovered Weston dead from what appeared to be massive head injuries, a SPD news release stated.
The Nissan Frontier driven by 70-year-old William D. Gunnels of Slidell failed to yield as he exited the parking lot of a bank, the release stated. Weston was killed instantly in the accident while wearing a Louisiana Department of Transportation-approved helmet, the release stated.
Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash, the release stated.
Gunnels was arrested and charged with failure to yield and negligent homicide, the release stated. Gunnels was booked at the SPD and then transferred to the St. Tammany Parish Jail where bond was set at $75,000.
Denise said she has already spoken to Gunnels, who she described as remorseful.
"If Weston was sitting next to me, Weston would say he forgives you, God forgives you, you just got to forgive yourself and make peace," Denise said of her conversation with Gunnels.
A memorial service for Weston will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Center Grove Baptist Church in Meridian, Miss. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation in his memory be made to Center Grove Baptist Church, 6930 Causeyville Road, Meridian, MS 39301.
Weston was a Meridian native, where he graduated Meridian High School in 1979.
He was ordained and licensed in 1995 from Russell Baptist Church.
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Posted: Sunday, December 07, 2008
Article comment by:
Julie Calvisi
I just moved back to Kingman from Lake Havasu and just found out about this tragedy. I first met Reverend Burnside while attending Mohave Community college. He was my Engish 101 instructor. He mentioned he was a Reverend so I decided to go attend one of his services at Oak Steet Baptist Church. He was a very vibrant enthusiastic person. He got me to want to go to church and to like it. I thank him for that. When ever I saw him out an about he always said hi and was very caring. Our family will miss him tremendously. Our prayers are with his family.
Julie Calivis and Family
Posted: Friday, October 24, 2008
Article comment by:
TRAVIS HARRYMAN
MR. B TAUGHT ME ALOT OF THINGS. HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST PEOPLE IN MY LIFE. TO ME HE WAS MORE THAN JUST A FRIEND. HE WAS MY FRIEND MY TEACHER AND LIKE ANOTHER FATHER TO ME. HE ALWAYS MADE SURE THAT EVERYTHING I NEEDED WAS THERE FOR ME. HE WAS A GREAT PERSON AND I GUESS THE LORD NEEDED HIM MORE. ALL THE THINGS THAT HE TAUGHT ME WILL REMAIN IN MY MEMORIES FOR ETERNITY! WE WILL MISS YOU MR. B AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.
Posted: Friday, October 10, 2008
Article comment by:
Anonymous
Weston was a good pastor and friend. He worked 3-4 jobs at a time to support his wife and boys, and yet always made time for us when we needed it. He's helped me with my cars, and helped me pass English. He prayed over my son Kendrick before he was born, and was a true friend to my husband, who didn't like pastors before he met Weston. Weston was Jesus with skin on to us. We enjoyed Christmas with Weston last year, and will miss him terribly, but I am so happy that he is with Christ now. I am glad that he will not have to deal with the strains of this life anymore. I will be praying for his boys, and his family. Much love goes out to you all.
With love and EMPATHY, Jennifer Falk
Posted: Thursday, October 09, 2008
Article comment by:
daynea mcanally (serrato)
mr burnside was my most favorite teacher. hes the reason im going for my teaching degree. he never gave up on me and always knew that i could do so much better. when i didnt have any lunch money he would bring me food or give me some money he truly was a great man and im so glad that he came into my life. im really going to miss him. my love is with him and goes out to the family. i love you mr burnside thank you for all that you did for me.
love forever and always
daynea mcanally (serrato)
Posted: Thursday, October 09, 2008
Article comment by:
Denise
The Reverend Weston J. Burnside, Jr. was my brother. He often shared his thoughts and feeling about his friends, church family, co-workers, students and the community of Kingman, AZ, as a whole. He made great friendships, lasting till the time of his death. I knew of his love for those in Kingman, Lon, Gary, Brian, Dr. Jami and so many more wonderful people, who Weston held a special place for.
Words cannot express my appreciation and gratitude to all those who loved, supported and encouragement Weston in the trials he faced this past year. You lifted him when he was down, you gave of yourself, time and time again. Weston never forgot, for his love for you was genuine.
God came first in his life, his life was a testimony to that fact. He knew the only way to go before The Father was through His Son, Jesus Christ. He knew, too, that to forgive was to be forgiven. Hate nor malice was part of Weston's nature. He was an example of what a true Christian should be.
I hope to live the rest of my life by Weston's example, I will try. My family and I are broken up over our loss. But we know, too, his purpose in life was fulfilled. We believe once God's purpose for our life has been met on His terms, that He, our Heavenly Father calls us home. It was only through Weston's belief in Jesus Christ, his personal Lord and Savior that he now resides in The House of Our Lord.
Thank you for your love, prayers and well wishes at this time.
Please pray for Weston's two son, Weston J. Burnside, III (7), and Jonathan Weston Burnside (5). Also, pray for Mr. William D. Gunnels who was involved in the accident?
Thank you,
With love,
Denise Burnside
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