Paul J. Burt Family Memorial Publishing Fund
Donation protected
Paul J. Burt passed away at the young age of 59, after a four year battle with very rare medullary thyroid cancer. He would often say to us, "If I had all of the time and money in the world, I would write poetry all day", or "Someday I hope professors will talk about my poems in the classroom," or "I wish that my children could walk in and see one of my books about cars in the bookstore". Paul saw beauty in everything around him and had a gift of sharing what he saw through his writing and photography.
As the children and I started to go through boxes of pictures and files, we realized that Paul had plans of formally publishing his work--and sadly ran out of time. We have found hundreds of never seen poems, hard drives full of his beautiful photography, and many stories and blogs about automobiles. Considering all of the business endeavors and charitable work Paul was involved in, he always made time for his creative passions.
Paul's lifelong dream was becoming a recognized and formally published poet, writer and photographer. This is how he would want to be remembered in the world. To honor this wish, our family is humbly asking for donations as a memorial to Paul, which will enable us publish and distribute/sell his work in four separate 100 page hardcover books; two will feature his poetry, and the others dedicated to automotive photos and a collections of Paul's writings, blog posts and love of cars. We will be asking for memories and stories from friends who shared his love of cars to be part of the publication. We have also found many short stories and these may be published in a separate book as well.
This is what Paul would have wanted most, and the process will provide a creative and cathartic outlet for his four children and I in the upcoming years as we gather, share, and discover the beauty experienced through the eyes and heart of our husband and father. Our plan is to use the proceeds of the book sales to create a college scholarship for future writers.
We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received from all of you who knew Paul and knows our family. During such strange times, it is odd and unsettling to not be able to gather and celebrate Paul's life. Our family is hoping this is a way to allow friends to participate, donate and be recognized to fulfill the final wishes of Paul.
With endless love and gratitude,
Janet, Brian, Erica, Sophia and Hudson
As the children and I started to go through boxes of pictures and files, we realized that Paul had plans of formally publishing his work--and sadly ran out of time. We have found hundreds of never seen poems, hard drives full of his beautiful photography, and many stories and blogs about automobiles. Considering all of the business endeavors and charitable work Paul was involved in, he always made time for his creative passions.
Paul's lifelong dream was becoming a recognized and formally published poet, writer and photographer. This is how he would want to be remembered in the world. To honor this wish, our family is humbly asking for donations as a memorial to Paul, which will enable us publish and distribute/sell his work in four separate 100 page hardcover books; two will feature his poetry, and the others dedicated to automotive photos and a collections of Paul's writings, blog posts and love of cars. We will be asking for memories and stories from friends who shared his love of cars to be part of the publication. We have also found many short stories and these may be published in a separate book as well.
This is what Paul would have wanted most, and the process will provide a creative and cathartic outlet for his four children and I in the upcoming years as we gather, share, and discover the beauty experienced through the eyes and heart of our husband and father. Our plan is to use the proceeds of the book sales to create a college scholarship for future writers.
We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received from all of you who knew Paul and knows our family. During such strange times, it is odd and unsettling to not be able to gather and celebrate Paul's life. Our family is hoping this is a way to allow friends to participate, donate and be recognized to fulfill the final wishes of Paul.
With endless love and gratitude,
Janet, Brian, Erica, Sophia and Hudson
Organizer
Janet Burt
Organizer
Lake Forest, IL