Vern Burrows

Vern Burrows, 55, of Pleasant St., Parishville, died Monday at his home with his loving wife and children at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in the Town of Orleans, he was the son of Dorothy J. Burrows of Clayton and the late former A. Bay Chief of Police F. Vernon Burrows Sr. He grew up in Alexandria Bay and has resided in St. Lawrence County since 1973. Vern was a 1973 graduate from Brockport State with a B.S. in Physical Education. He received his Master?s degree from Potsdam State College.
He retired in June of 2006 after 33 years as a Physical Education Teacher at Norwood-Norfolk Central School District. He coached soccer, hockey and baseball for most of the 33 years and served as the district?s Athletic Director for 13 years. Vern was also a member of the NYSOPHR and the NYS Athletic Directors Association. In 1995 he received the ?New York State Athletic Director of the Year? award, of which he was selected from Section 10 as the representative.
In addition to his father he was predeceased by his sister Diana Lyons in 2000.He is also survived by his wife ?Annie? K-Harmon-Burrows, a daughter Margaret E. Burrows, a son Matthew V. Burrows both of Hannawa Falls, a step daughter Melodie Harmon of Tucson AZ, a step son Peter Harmon and wife Keira of Charlotte NC, his sisters Donna Comenole of Florida, Dorothy Goldman of Syracuse, 2 grandsons, a granddaughter several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 pm Friday at the Garner Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 7 pm at the funeral home 10 Lawrence Ave. Potsdam. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Contributions may be made to the Warner Cancer Treatment Center, Sea Comm Plaza, 145 Market St. Potsdam, NY 13676 or the Parishville Rescue Squad Parishville, NY 13672