Dental medicine student dies in Jan. 2 accidentIan Raymond Burns, a second-year College of Dental Medicine student, died Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. He lived in Mount Pleasant.A native of Plattsburgh, N.Y., Ian was the son of Raymond and Anna Burns. He attended Lakeshore Christian School in Plattsburgh and Clinton Community College and Plattsburgh State University. In 1996, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Clemson University and worked with the firm Curtis Wright and Zeuna Starker. He was admitted to the dental medicine program at Medical University of South Carolina in 2002. He is survived by his wife, Tessa Goolsby-Burns; a brother- and sister-in-law, Ryan and Jodi Burns of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; brother Noah Burns of Rochester, N.Y.; and family members. A memorial service was held Jan. 9 at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens, with funeral services scheduled at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Easley on Jan. 10. An on-campus memorial service was held Jan. 13 at St. Luke’s Chapel, sponsored by the College of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2006. Memorial donations may be made to: Ian Burns Memorial Fund, South Carolina Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 190012, North Charleston, SC 29419; or the Boykin Spaniel Society in care of: Amelia Skipper, 94 Sunrise Drive, Eufaula, AL 36027. Having a great temperament, Ian never let the
stress of dental school, or anything for that matter, wipe the smile
off his face. A hard worker, Ian always followed his goals to completion,
yet he knew how to have fun better than just about anyone I know.
I have hundreds of stories of us goofing around that I will always cherish.
I once heard him tell a professor that he and I would be friends for the
rest of his life. While he was right, I just wish we all had more
time with him.
All of us who work with students are saddened
by the tragic loss of such a fine young man. We offer our thoughts
and prayers to Ian's loved ones and our support to his colleagues in the
College of Dental Medicine.
I spent many hours studying with Ian and working
with him in the dental lab. He was always focused, never complained,
and was the happiest and most confident I had ever seen him. He was quick
to share any knowledge or skills he had learned, not only with myself but
with others. Ian was also a good friend and always had an open ear for
me when I needed one.
He was a very dedicated student, hardworking,
and did not hesitate to help anyone. He has made a positive impact
on my life, and out of the pain will come further determination to
improve ourselves and to become better dentists. He would have wanted
it that way. I will miss him dearly. He is in a better place now,
and we will always remember him.
Every time I saw Ian in the halls, labs or classrooms,
he greeted me with a broad smile. Ian was an optimist and an exemplary
human being. I feel fortunate to have known and worked with him. I’ll always
remember him and his smile. He clearly was an individual who loved what
he was doing, his family and life.
When all of us think about Ian, we think of several
words that best describe who he was: admirable, dedicated and compassionate.
His determination, intelligence and persistence helped him pursue his dream
in dentistry. In life, we admire those who dream their dream and go after
it. Ian was one who acted upon his dream, and his memory will continue
to inspire each of us with a greater appreciation for others.”
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