The Lessons Were His Gift To Me: Dwayne Burno's Legacy of Expression

Its been just over 57 hours since learning the tragic news of the passing of my friend and jazz master bassist, Dwayne Burno. I know many, like me, have been going over memories of him in their minds, recalling conversations, performances, dinners, family gatherings, etc. We all have our experiences and memories with Dwayne. We're all dealing with his passing in our own individual ways. There isn't a right or wrong way to grieve. It just is. And that's ok. 

Talking through my own personal grief over Dwayne's passing with my family & friends, I am able to process and come to a realization about who Dwayne was to me and the blessing he was in my life.  And what his life taught me ABOUT life. 

I don't know about you, but I hear his voice in my heart and I see his face when I close my eyes, and I think of him when I am listening to jazz and I hear the bass line. Its amazing that I am experiencing all of these levels of remembrance, and I was only in his presence 3 times. But once you met him, he left an indelible mark on your spirit. Throughout the past almost 6 years, I would check in on him since he had faced various health issues, his kidney transplant, and most recently issues with his heart. He was one of those people you just always kept tabs on every couple of weeks either by phone, text, or instant message. One thing that always amazed me about him and his dedication and love for jazz, was that for years he traveled around the world, lugging all of his medical equipment while on dialysis. He didn't go anywhere without it. And yet, he never let it stop him from living or making beautiful music. 

That was lesson #1. Don't let obstacles get in your way of pursuing your passion & purpose. Keep at it, every day. No matter what the situation looks like. 

Lesson #2: Never let time pass by without telling those loved ones in your life how much you love and appreciate them, because you never know when your last conversation with them will be. I found out all too well this past week, when my final conversation with Dwayne was on Christmas Eve, and we exchanged Christmas wishes. I told him Merry Christmas and that I loved him much, at which he replied 'Love you too, CAT. Merry Christmas.' 

In May, Dwayne posted this on his Facebook wall:

Dwayne Burno

May 30 via mobile

Seriously, y'all. Make, take, borrow and/or steal the time to let those you love know in life rather than posthumously exclaim and proclaim your adoration. Doesn't mean s*it when you can hear or enjoy it.

He knew the importance of expressing love and appreciation to those people in his life who he loved. He did it freely and without obligation. He did it and he meant it. Every word. Every time.  He wasn't afraid of the words "I love you." Because he meant them, genuinely, sincerely. We, too, must not be afraid to say those 3 powerful words. They can change someone's life. It doesn't have to be a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend. If you care about someone, tell them. You may not ever get the chance again, so make the most of every opportunity. Time is short. We're not guaranteed tomorrow. Dwayne understood this, I believe. 

Dwayne Burno will not only be remembered as a master jazz musician, with his unmatched knowledge of and skill in the art of jazz, composition, history and technical ability, but also his passionate pursuit, dedication and expression of humanity. He was the embodiment of Life, Love, and all things JAZZ. 

Nothing stopped him from living or making his beautiful music. For me to embrace that in my own life would be the greatest acknowledgment of the gift he passed to me. 

As memorial plans get underway, you may donate directly to the family through the Jazz Foundation of America. Please make donations either online at: 
JAZZ FOUNDATION OF AMERICA 
OR 
MAIL A CHECK IN HONOR OF DWAYNE BURNO TO : 

Jazz Foundation of America

322 West 48th Street, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10036. 

(212)245-3999

http://bit.ly/1cf3gxm

Dwayne Burno ~ Update on Donations for His Family

Below is an update from a friend of the family, regarding Wendy & Quinn, and information about tax deductible contributions through the Jazz Foundation for the family…
https://fundly.com/our-friend-wendy-just-lost-her-husband-and-needs-help#home

Michael Galinsky

Wendy and Quinn are very thankful

I just wanted to let everyone know that Wendy and Quinn are overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of support. They are both doing well. They are working on setting up a memorial service at some point in the future. Wendy is also making arrangements with the Jazz Foundation to arrange the ability to accept tax deductible donations through the organization for those who are interested. The memo of checks should say Dwayne Burno.

Jazz Foundation Info

Here is the information on the jazz foundation and tax deductible donations to Dwayne's family - Thanks to Lois Gilbert for passing it on.

As memorial plans get underway, you may make a tax-deductible donation to the family through the Jazz Foundation of America, who has been helping Dwayne Burno since the illness first took its toll.

Please make donations either online, here:
JAZZ FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
http://jazzfoundation.org/

=OR=

MAIL A CHECK IN HONOR OF DWAYNE BURNO TO :
Jazz Foundation of America
322 West 48th Street, 6th Floor 

New York, NY 10036 

(212) 245-3999

Kindred Spirit ~ Comprehending the Loss of a Friend

Dwayne Burno 

Dwayne Burno & Myself at SMOKE Jazz & Supper Club
New York City
October 2009

        

Yesterday, I received devastating news that my dear friend, kindred spirit, and Jazz Master, Dwayne Burno transitioned from this world. It was shocking & paralyzing news. There was no one like this human being. He spoke with raw honesty and incredible respect for humanity, passionate about the music he gave his life to, and a heart full of love for his wonderful wife and beautiful son. If you were lucky enough for Dwayne to call you his friend, you knew it was a lifetime thing, and he would fight to the death on your behalf and cuss out anyone who spoke ill of you or to you.  You never had to question that he would always be in your corner. And he was generous with his words of love and appreciation for the loved ones in his life. 

On my 35th birthday, I decided to take a bus trip to NYC (I'd been living in DC and never been to the Big Apple). So, I called Dwayne to let him know where I wanted to spend my birthday, and he just so happened to have a gig the weekend I would be in town. So I made the trip and enjoyed his gig at SMOKE Jazz & Supper Club, and at the stroke of midnight, the server brought me a dessert with a candle lit on top, compliments of Dwayne in honor of my special day. That's just how thoughtful he was. :)

Just this past Tuesday night, Christmas Eve 2013, we exchanged our Christmas wishes for each other and our families via instant messenger, and his final words to me were, "Love you too, CAT. Merry Christmas." I never ever doubted that he loved me. You know those kinds of friends. Dwayne was such. 

I told him once that I couldn't understand how I was so lucky to have been blessed by his friendship, and that I couldn't imagine my world without him. He was one of the precious ones. The tears that fall from my eyes at this very moment, will undoubtedly dry some day in the future, but tonight, my heart is broken. An angel has left my world. 

Rest in sweet peace, DB.  Much love, ALWAYS. 

***Friends of Dwayne's have put together a Fundly Campaign to provide financial support for Dwayne's wife Wendy and their son Quinn. For more information and/or to contribute support, please visit: www.fundly.com/our-friend-wendy-just-lost-her-husband-and-needs-help