Obituary: Timothy Burnight, 28, doctoral student in physical therapy

Burnight

Timothy Blair Burnight, 28, a doctoral candidate in the Program in Physical Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine, died unexpectedly Sept. 4, 2015, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Burnight was to receive a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree in May 2016.

He was passionate about health and wellness, was the recipient of several scholarships and was an advocate on behalf of patients. He worked weekends as an aide at a local hospital.

Burnight came to Washington University from the University of Houston, where he earned a master’s degree in psychology and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. During his time in Houston, he participated in a research fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He earned his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Purdue University.

Burnight was born in Evanston, Illinois, and lived in Park Ridge, Illinois, before leaving for college.

He is survived by his father, Tom Alan Burnight of Park Ridge; his sister, Jessica Lynn Burnight of Chicago; his grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Judith Lynn (Mann).

A gathering to express condolences to the family will be held from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 W. Talcott Road (at Cumberland Avenue) in Park Ridge.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Narcolepsy Network.