The Path I Was Meant to Take

As a company we have decided that it is time that you have the opportunity to learn about each of our staff members. Since you often to hear from me, I thought it would be appropriate to begin with my biography. With out any further adieu……..

The Path I Was Meant to Take

The story of Brandon W. Burningham CFSP, CPC

He wanted to be a teacher. He envisioned himself attending the University of Utah to receive his degree in education, working at a local elementary school, moving into administration, and becoming an elementary school principal. That changed once he returned from his mission.

Before he left for his Budapest, Hungary, LDS mission, Brandon (a known hamburger aficionado) got a job working at Eat-A-Burger. As it turned out, the manager was to be his future brother-in-law. You see, when Brandon left for his mission, the manager asked his sister-in-law, Brandy, and Brandon’s sister to fill Brandon’s position. It was during this absence that Brandon’s sister and brother-in-law began conspiring: when Brandon returned from his mission, they were going to hook him up with Brandy. It seems that the two conspirators had the idea that Brandon and Brandy would be perfect for each other.

Brandon returned home and was quickly whisked away to his favorite burger joint and old stomping ground, Eat-A-Burger. Brandon’s sister made the introductions; stars formed in the new couple’s eyes; fireworks exploded. Brandon asked Brandy out the next day and five weeks later, they were engaged. It would seem that Brandon’s sister and brother-in-law knew what they were doing.

Now, the stage is set for his career change. Once married, the newlyweds needed a cheap place to stay. Brandon’s mom worked at Cottonwood Mortuary and knew that the mortuary apartment was currently available with just one catch: Brandon had to work services, do general cleaning of the mortuary, and be available for any other assistance. After a summer of working with this convenient arrangement, he knew he had found his calling. Working with families and assisting them in honoring their loved ones was a deeply affecting experience.

He graduated from Cypress College in California with an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science. He was student-of-the-year and was given the MU Sigma Alpha award for academic achievement. He became a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner and a Certified Preplanning Consultant in 2007.

Brandon and his famiy

A few years later he found another profession that claimed his heart: fatherhood. He has three children: one boy and two girls. Coaching his kids’ soccer teams, going on daddy/daughter dates, volunteering in the Boy Scouts, and speaking during Career Day at his children’s school (arriving in the hearse, by the way) are just some of the job duties Brandon has as a dedicated father

While growing up in the Salt Lake area, he chose the Red instead of the Blue and has remained a true University of Utah fanatic ever since. While still in high school, Brandon and some of his best friends played a “sanitary” prank on one of their former bishop who was an avid BYU fan. After the U defeated the Y in a basketball game, they snatched a toilet from a friend’s house. The toilet was in the garage, removed due to a bathroom remodel, although, I’m not sure if the owners were wanting to use it again. Anyway, Brandon and his friends painted it red with a big white U on the top of the seat. On the inside of the lid, they painted the final score of the game. They deposited the toilet on the front step of the bishop’s house. The next morning, the bishop opened the door for his morning paper, found the toilet instead, smiled and knew he had been had. As a season ticket holder for U football, Brandon has happily passed on the U loving/Y hating tradition to his children as they attend games with him.

Anyone who knows Brandon knows this about him: he loves Star Wars! His office is decorated with Star Wars memorabilia, his house is flooded with classic and new Star Wars toys, and his movie chest is overflowing with Star Wars movies. His favorite character is Yoda, the wise, powerful, but small leader. It just goes to show you that you can be a powerful influence even if you aren’t the most powerful physical presence.

I am Brandon W. Burningham CFSP, CPC and I thought you might like to know.