Ronald Ayr Burrows

Ronald Ayr Burrows, age 72, passed over into his true place of peace on the morning of Thursday, May 23, 2024, after years of struggling with compounding illness. We take comfort knowing Ron is now healed of his pain and happily reunited with his best buddy, his dog Zarah.

Ron was born on December 12th of 1951 to Jacob Alexander Burrows and Charlotte Webb in Meriden, Connecticut. The family moved to Florida several years later, where Ron created cherished memories alongside his brother Wayne, that turned to tales of wild adventures Ron would tell his future daughters. From frying eggs on the hot summer pavement to riding dirt bikes through the Florida wilderness and shark fishing on the coast, Ron’s early years were certainly not lacking in laughter, friendship, and a good dose of mischief. 

Right after high school graduation, Ron was drafted to the U.S. Army, away from his first love: his 67’ Chevy van that he and his friends had painted “UPS brown”. He was honorably discharged after two years of service and began his escapades with the traveling carnival, setting up “Penny Falls” around the country. 

Ron’s adventure took an exciting turn when he met his future wife, Victoria Lynn Kurzkinski, in 1977. The couple married May 12th, 1979, and had just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Each year Ron gifted Vicky a dozen red roses, alongside one additional rose for each year they were married and a white rose representing their future together…until that became far too expensive to maintain and a silk set of roses was purchased. Throughout their early years together, Ron and Vicky toured the states as “carnies” living their best life on the road alongside dear friends. 

In 1981, they welcomed their eldest daughter, Alyse Marie, and didn’t slow down one bit. Over the next several years, they raised their daughter as they traveled, calling Florida home for a time, and ultimately relocating to Michigan, where Ron spent his adult life. Here, Ron became an outstanding member of the Parchment Community, a dedicated softball coach to Alyse and her friends, and filled the Burrows’ home with pets to love.

Ten years later, Ron and Vicky had their second daughter, Chelsea Lynn, in 1991 and Ron carried on his legacy of coaching his daughters in softball. He shared his love of music, history, animals, engineering, and laughter with his family, creating the happiest childhood for his two children. Ron was a chai latte connoisseur, bringing smiles to the Biggby crew as he and Zarah frequented the drive-through on sunny days. His vast vinyl collection remains intact, alongside Star Trek memorabilia, years’ worth of Consumer Report magazines, and more than a few (somewhat unnecessary) World Wildlife Foundation trinkets. 

As he aged, Ron’s body began to decline, though his jubilant spirit did not. He laughed with nurses caring for him, always one step ahead with a new joke at each visit. Ron took on the role of “Pa” to his sweet granddaughter in 2017 when Evy Marie was born to Alyse and Andre Richards. Despite all illness, he remained the best Pa, reading to Evy, laughing with her, and adorning his room with her art. 

All of Ron’s girls lovingly remember the dedicated, compassionate, joyous man they called husband, father, and Pa. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Charlotte. Ron’s memory lives on through his surviving wife, Vicky; his daughters, Alyse and Chelsea, with their respective partners, Dre and Andrew; his brother, Wayne and sister-in-law Deb; and his granddaughter, Evy. 

Ron’s family would love to read stories of the laughs you shared with him along the way, and greatly appreciate your kindness in this time.

Memorial contributions are welcome to be made in Ron’s name at defenders.org, as he was an avid Defender of Wildlife. As a veteran, Ron’s private interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery with his family this summer.