William Austin Burnett passed away April 28th, 2020 in Wyandotte, MI. He is survived by his Mother and Step Father Kelly and Patrick Opp of Albuquerque, NM, his Father Dean Burnett of Albuquerque, NM, his Grandfather William A Jackson of Albuquerque, NM, his Grandmother Marilyn Burnett of Port Huron, MI, his Grandmother Jeri Opp of Garden Grove, CA, his brothers Dean Burnett Jr and girlfriend Joanna Gogolowski of Lincoln Park, MI, Aaron Burnett and wife Becky of Wyandotte, MI, his sisters Kristin Burnett of Lincoln Park, MI, and Meagan Rose and fiancé Bill Angelino of Tijeras, NM. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews Seth Burnett, Paige Burnett, Maddy Angelino, Logan Angelino, Jackson Rose, Jensen Rose, Drew Burnett, Eleanor Burnett and Claire Burnett and his Godparents Bill and LaDonna Armstrong of Surprise, AZ, and many beloved Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, as well as treasured friends.

Austin valued his family above all, he was a sweet, kind-hearted young man who was forever trying to help those in need, those less fortunate and those forgotten. From an early age Austin's closest friends covered the spectrum of race, gender, age and socio-economic backgrounds. Handsome and chivalrous to a fault, he was passionate about protecting everyone he knew and loved. His kindness and compassion extended to friends and strangers equally, never hesitating to stand up for anyone. He was the life of every party always wearing a smile and making everyone feel special. He will be remembered and missed for all the amazing memories he created out of pure love and the hugs that will never be forgotten.

At Cibola High School he excelled as an athlete participating in football, basketball, track and rugby. He followed in his Grandfather's honorable footsteps by enlisting in the military serving in the United States Marine Corp as a Reservist.  He excelled in marksmanship and conquered the Hill as well as his many demons at Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton and Fort Lee.

His passion was sharing his love of music and art. He loved to DJ and had many friends that he looked up to in this field. He spent hours composing songs on the piano and keyboard, wrote pages of poetry and poured his heart into his paintings and sketches. Austin was blessed to find employment at the North Fourth Art Center VSA in Albuquerque, NM where he found an outlet to pour his compassion and love into his clients of whom he adored. Caring for and sharing music and art passions with them brought him so much joy and pride. His time there, he would later recount, was some of the most fulfilling time of his life.

Relocating to Wyandotte, MI was an opportunity for Austin to connect with his Michigan family and work closely with his brothers learning the plumbing and construction trade. He was grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn. He valued the relationships he had built on with his siblings and their families and spoke often about how excited he was to be included, welcomed and loved.

Austin had made the decision to fight the good fight against his addictions and unhealthy lifestyle and the last year of his life was spent rehabbing, counseling, journaling, supporting others and bonding friendships with like-minded sobriety brothers and sisters. He had finally accomplished everything he dreamed of, relationships repaired, health renewed and clarity of his future. There are no words to express how proud his family is of the path he maintained and the determination we witnessed. A stumble has left us heart broken, devastated and forever empty but we love you more than words can say and we know you will be missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests checks be made payable to VSA Arts of New Mexico and in the memo section please denote in memory of Austin Burnett. They can be mailed to 4904 4th ST NW Albuquerque, NM 87107. If individuals would prefer, they may drop off donations by first calling Veronica Rieben at 505-417-7317 to arrange a time. They request paint, paint brushes, fabric, canvases, etc. A memorial service will be held on Austin's 26th birthday May 11th, 2020 in Albuquerque, NM at North Domingo Park at 2pm.