Harry (Burney) Burnette Hill

Burney died peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2010, and though he enjoyed a physically fit life, the disease was rapidly accelerating and crippling his mind. While he still had the cognitive capacity to do so, he made the difficult and courageous decision to stop taking nourishment using the palliative services of both End-of-Life Washington and Hospice. 

Burney was born in Athens, GA, the eldest of six children to William and Jean Hill. They were an army family and moved frequently from base to base. Burney responded to this life style by developing a tenacious and confident spirit. As the oldest child, he became a leader and positive roll model for his siblings. He was known for his intelligence, athleticism, social consciousness and outgoing friendliness. Burney spent most of his teenage formative years in Kailua, Hawaii where he was an avid surfer and National Honor Society member. He graduated from Kailua High School in 1967. Having attended public schools all his life, he was especially proud to have been accepted to Harvard University and granted a scholarship.

After graduating from Harvard in 1971 with a degree in Psychology, Burney returned to Hawaii to complete a Masters degree in Oceanography at the University of Hawaii. He applied his skills in work at various places in the Pacific including American Samoa, Eniwetok and Hawaii. He worked with dolphins at Sea Life Park, and as a teacher at St. Andrews Priory in Honolulu where he was known by students as "Mr. Burney."

Looking for new challenges, Burney found his way to the Pacific Northwest. He attended the University of Washington and worked with the Nez Perce tribe in Fisheries Management. He was later hired by the Environmental Protection Agency as an Ocean Biologist and found his life's mission. He was part of the dive team at EPA and truly believed in the value of conservation and management of our natural resources. His work at the EPA provided his life with meaningful purpose and a strong sense of contributing to the greater cause.

Burney lived an active life. He loved traveling, outdoor adventures, camping, rafting, kayaking, bicycling, and yoga. He thoroughly enjoyed seeking the unexpected around each and every corner. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter, and those who have known him and enjoyed his company. A private family remembrance will be held to honor Burney’s life and spirit.