Mr. Burnett - Always the Best Dad

Tracy your dad was the absolute very best. I will always remember how he took all of your high school girlfriends out on his boat and had us swim to shore if we wanted to picnic on this private island. I believe only you, Donna and myself were the only ones that could swim and the three of us had to get everyone to shore in life vests. We picnicked, partied and relaxed on that part of the private island waiting for your dad to pick us up at the end of the day. When he came to pick us up he came all the way into shore where we could walk to the boat. I understood at that time he was teaching everyone a lesson to face their fears and not let little things hold you back from the great possibilities in life. A great man who gave us a great gift in that lesson and when any of us get together we still talk about that best day ever!! On a personal note that lesson had such an impact on me to this day I teach adults how to face their fear of the water by not only teaching them how to swim but to take it to the next level by competing in triathlons. Thank you Tracy for sharing your Dad. Thank you Mr. Burnett for reinforcing at an early age that " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Big Hug and Lots of Love, Judy B.

"Uncle Spence

"Uncle Spence"
My first memories of whom was affectionately called "Uncle Spence" was when I was about 4 years old. He was the cool guy at one of my parents' many "get together/house parties." Uncle Spence reminded me of the cool poster we had of Qunicy Jones, the afro - jumpsuit, the "Seventies". "Uncle Spence was the type of guest who was not going to let you walk by without finding out what was on your mind, You should get your thinking cap on because he was going to ask you a question or make a statement that was going to fire one's neural synapses. I remember the sound of loud, colorful, passionate, conversation, laughter, yelps of emotion, good times!
As I grew up I came to realize "Uncle Spence" was not a blood relative, but by fate I became closely acquainted with his daughter, my other sis, Tracey. So "Uncle Spence" continued to have an impact on my life by being a voice of reason, challenge, honesty, motivation, and a coach. During our long phone conversations, I could always expect to hear Spencer challenge my view to see if I was grounded in my position or should I expand my perspective.
I know "Uncle Spence" is in a better place, but he will be sorely missed.

Always Love
Diahann Green

Who you gonna call? Call Spencer!

My fondest memory of Spencer is when I was relocating from New York to Atlanta, GA> The movers that were supposed to load my truck didn't show up. So my sister called Spencer and without hesitation he was there. He drove all the way from Jamaica, Queens to the Hamptons and helped a friend of mine load everything on that truck. If you know anything about Queens and the Hamptons that is a long hike. My Dad always told me if I needed anything done or ever got in any trouble that Spencer was the one to call. What ever the task he could get it done. R.I.P. Dear cousin. I will miss you dearly. God Bless!

My Amazing Dad

As many of you know, my dad had been ill for a number of years and Marc and I moved him from New York to Los Angeles a little over year ago. Due to his poor health, not many of you had the opportunity to meet my dad. He was one of those cool dads, and he was really, really smart, with a great sense of humor. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to share a few stories.

My High School Prom

My dad was my protector. Well, let me rephrase that, my dad was very protective - when it came to boys. He made sure the boys kept their distance. If you were a boy and were brave enough to call my house, you had to speak to my dad first and have an intelligent conversation with him. Now what 15 or 16 year old boy do you know who is confident enough to carry on a conversation with an intimidating sounding grown man. At that age, you probably don’t even want to talk to your own parents. Anyway, when word got out, you guessed it - no boys called my house. And, when High School prom came around, well - I didn’t have a date. So lovable dad says, with his deep baritone voice, “I’ll be your date Pops” - that’s what he called me - Pops, short for Popsicle. Needless to say, I passed on my High School prom.

It Takes A Village

You know that saying “it takes a village”, well my dad was the epitome of that saying. In fact, he was the village for many of the neighborhood kids. When I was in New York packing up my parent’s belongings for their move to Los Angeles, I had a yard sale for the things we weren’t going to keep. During the yard sale, a young lady (probably in her mid 20s) came up to me and asked if I was Mr. Spence’s daughter. She told me that when she was younger my dad used to share stories about his life experiences with her and her friends, and that my dad talked about his daughter, the lawyer, who lived in California all the time. She said he used me as an example of how with hard work and perseverance you can be and do anything you want in this world. She then asked me if she could hug me saying “I feel like we are step sisters”.

Meeting Marc

As you probably surmised from my first story, I didn’t bring many guys home to meet my dad. So, when I brought Marc home for the first time, my dad figured it was probably serious. So, he took Marc to our front porch in Queens, New York, poured him a glass of scotch and proceeded to drink him under the table. Now, my dad wasn’t a big man. He was probably only 145 lbs, while Marc was probably 190 (sorry baby). But my dad could drink. And, the more he drank, the more he talked. They were out on the front porch for hours and I think they went through 2 bottles of scotch that night. I kinda felt sorry for Marc (well kinda), but I figured, if your gonna be a part of this family, better get used to my dad now. I guess my dad wanted to find out if Marc was good enough for his little girl. Mind you, I was 35 at the time. Dad wanted to see if Marc was going to reveal any deep dark secrets after he liquored him up. Well Marc obviously passed the test.

To my Pop-Pop

Pop-Pop was a wonderful grandpa. He loved me so much and I loved him a lot more back. Did he ever play with me, yes. And we had an amazing time. I love him dearly.
Dear Heavenly Father - thank you for the time we had together and thank you for everything he gave me. I am sad to see him go, but I am thankful that he was with me. Amen