Lynn retired at the end of this school year, so many of us had already come to terms with the passing of the Tamiscal High School Faculty Room’s “Lynn Burnes Coffee.” The brew was a mixed blessing. It was not for the faint of heart and some said that in addition inducing wakefulness in in people who came anywhere near it, that it could also be used as an industrial-grade solvent or as a substitute for jet fuel in a pinch. But the best part about it was that it reminded the drinker of the woman who made it. It was reliable, very, very strong, indicative of commitment, helpful to anyone who was feeling a little low or down-trodden, somewhat bitter at first but easily sweetened. Over the five years I worked with Lynn, I learned a lot about what makes a good person. In her less-than-flamboyant way, she demonstrated and articulated unwavering care for people. She was not always diplomatic but always spoke the truth as she saw it. She advocated for the little guy, the underdog, the people. Her sense of fairness and justice was equal to anyone I have known. I was lucky to have had a phone conversation with her just a few weeks ago. She was the stoic Lynn I knew yet she had an optimistic tone in her voice. She told me that things weren’t going well but that she appreciated our thoughts and prayers. Perhaps when peoples’ lives draw to a close, their long-held values and integrity provide them with a fair measure of contentment and peace. That sure is how it seemed to be with Lynn. It goes without saying that I’ll miss Lynn Burns but I’ll say it anyway. She was a memorable person and a character who left the world a better place.