Kenosha – John Z. Burhani; age 49; passed away peacefully, surrounded with the love of his family, at his home on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, following a courageous battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
John was born in Kenosha on January 3, 1966 to the late Walid Burhani, MD (Kenosha surgeon) and Dorothy Conzelman, MD (Kenosha pediatrician). He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1983 and went on to earn a double major from University of Wisconsin – Parkside in Fine Arts & Business. On February 2, 1996 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, John was united in marriage with the love of his life, Heather Lynn McGee.
An accomplished artist to say the least, John and Heather owned the Kenosha Lighthouse on Simmons Island where they transformed the interior to his studio. From childhood on, John lived and breathed Lake Michigan. He’d do anything to be out on the water and was the “beacon” for those who shared his love of sailing, kiteboarding and windsurfing. Outside of his world of art, John also proudly had been employed as a publisher’s rep for Elsevier Publishing; windsurfing gear sales rep for Neil Pryde; and loved working for his sailing partner, Ralph Ruffolo, at Southport Rigging.
John was a proud member of Kenosha Yacht Club and the Anderson Arts Center. Passionate about sharing his talents with others, he taught art classes at Carthage College and Lemon Street Gallery. John also taught his sailing skills to the children of our community with the Kenosha Youth Sailing Center. He had a profound respect for our natural resources and was excited for others to appreciate Lake Michigan as much as he did. Sailing wasn’t a hobby….it was his life. John won numerous races on the water with his 40 foot sailboat – “Zippitydoda”. As awesome of a sailor as John was, he was even a greater husband and father who always placed his family as priority one.
Surviving are his loving wife, Heather Lynn McGee; adored daughter, Emily Jamila Burhani (age 15); sister, Jamie (Jeff) Cairo; brother, Walid (Lyli) Burhani; mother-in-law, Kathryn McGee; brother-in-law, Brian (Audre) McGee; nieces, Halle & Caitlin Cairo, and Ally McGee; nephew, James McGee; other dear relatives and many, many special friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
In addition to his beloved parents, John was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.W. and Dorothy Conzelman; and father-in-law, James McGee.
Memorial services celebrating John’s life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, May 15, 2015 at 7:00 pm with Fr. Matthew Buterbaugh officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4-7 pm. Memorials to the American Cancer Society or to the Kenosha Youth Sailing Center have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Aurora Cancer Care – Dr. Syed Haider, Lora & Michelle; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York – Dr. Dahi & Gloria; and to University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center in Madison – Dr. Longo… for doing everything in their powers to help John fight cancer during the past 3 ½ years. Also, special recognition to all of our relatives and friends for the many acts of kindness given during John’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
Sue H says
To John’s family,
I knew John as our Book rep for Elsevier. He was a great person and so easy to work with. I had worked with his parents years ago via St. Catherine’s. He would often give me advice on dog training when I acquired my black lab. His presence and zest for life will be missed.
Kristine Delaney says
I most recently saw John in Racine when his art was on display at Seebecks. His art is so beautiful and so was his spirit. My deepest sympathies to the Burhani family.
Julie J., co-worker @ UWP says
Hugs to all.
Harry M.Benn says
The best way to describe “John” he is BRAVE, Memory’s of John will remain with us.
LOGAN says
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS.
ABBY RUSSELL’S GM
John & Jen Heim says
Love & prayers to the family of John Burhani.
Kevin & Susan says
Heather & Emily,
Please accept our deepest sympathies at the loss of John. You’re in our prayers during this difficult time.
Let us know what we can do you help.
Harry Benn says
John is a “HERO” John will always be with us.John use to tell me his faverite day was “Saturday” every Saturday/lighthouse elect, I will think of John.
David says