Paul D. Burns, 77, died Sunday, February 7, 2021, in his home from complications related to chronic heart disease and congestive heart failure. 

Paul was a deputy for the Ventura County Sherriff’s Department for 17 years. After retiring due to an on-duty accident in 1972, he started Burns Trucking, which then evolved into Burns Pacific Construction. Paul also opened Geppetto’s Restaurant on Thousand Oaks Blvd in 1977, where he hosted several fundraisers for organizations such as the Sheriff’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, Crime Stoppers, the YMCA, and the Special Olympics. When a deputy was seriously ill or was facing a family hardship, Paul donated the day’s proceeds to the deputy or family in need. Although he received many honors for his generosity, including those from the city of Thousand Oaks Council and the Sherriff of Ventura County, he would rather just tell you that “the only good thing about the exposure is that maybe it will encourage somebody else to do the same.” He also operated four other restaurants, including Dockside Terrace in Westlake Village. He leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Lisa, two daughters, Jessie and Dawn, as well as three granddaughters and a great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Michael and Bobby, as well as his daughter, Kelsey, who died in 2019. 

The Burns family is so grateful for his cardiology team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. His doctors, nurse practitioner, and nurses worked tirelessly for several years to manage his symptoms and provided him with the best possible care. These professionals never failed to treat him with compassion, respect, and dignity.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation to the American Heart Association in Paul's honor.