Ann Walker Burns, of Amfac Walkers, dead at 75

By Kapono Dowson
Advertiser Staff Writer

Ann Walker Burns, a member of a prominent family of sugar industry leaders, died June 16. She was 75.

Burns, whose ancestors were active in Hawai'i's monarchy, was the daughter of Henry Alexander, president and chairman of the board of Amfac Inc., and Una C. Walker, who was active in community affairs.

Her husband, who died in 1988, was C.E.S. "Frank" Burns Jr., former manager of Puna Sugar Co. and Oahu Sugar Co. and later senior vice president for Amfac.

While accompanying her husband on business trips throughout the world, Ann Burns collected numerous exotic plant specimens to share with the Honolulu Botanical Gardens. She also worked with the Outdoor Circle and Garden Club of Honolulu.

Burns supported the Contemporary Museum, the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Bishop Museum and the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Burns, who attended Punahou School and Vassar College, developed a love for Hawaiian language, music and dance. She learned hula from Iolani Luahine and was often asked by her mother to dance for guests. She was also a member of the Daughters of Hawai'i.

"She was a woman of great intellectual curiosity and had a wonderful sense of humor," said her daughter, Pamela Burns, president of the Hawaiian Humane Society. "She always asked questions with a twinkle in her eye."

Ann Burns is survived by her daughters, Cecelia B. Smith and Pamela Burns; sons, Caleb E.S. Burns III and Peter W. Burns; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at O'ahu Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Hawaiian Humane Society or Friends of Honolulu Botanical Gardens.