In Loving Memory of Ralph Burnet

October 1, 1945 - March 19, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph Burnet on March 19, 2024, at the age of 78. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Ralph and his wife Peggy shared 58 years of marriage filled with mutual passions for travel, sports and art which illuminated the richness of their shared journey together.

Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Minneapolis, Ralph's entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Burnet Realty in 1973. His visionary approach and unwavering faith in his team propelled the company to remarkable heights, a legacy that continues as Coldwell Banker approaches its golden jubilee this April.

Ralph brought joy, insight, and laughter to every endeavor he undertook. He was a passionate man whose fervor extended well beyond the realms of real estate and hospitality. Ralph’s profound love for art found expression in his 22-year tenure on the Walker Board and the establishment of the Burnet Fine Art Gallery in Wayzata.

A philanthropist at heart, Ralph's legacy includes the inception of the Burnet Senior Classic which introduced professional golf to the state of Minnesota and his early support of professional tennis tournaments in Minneapolis. These endeavors reflected his love for sports and his belief in giving back to the community that had given him so much.

He was a true force of nature who shared his boundless generosity, infectious humor, and loyalty with his family, friends and colleagues. He was an ardent supporter of the Timberwolves, a golf enthusiast, and accomplished in both skiing and sailing. He shared his love of travel with his family and friends planning many worldwide trips and adventures that were filled with so much joy, laughter and memories that will live on forever.

Ralph is survived by loving wife, Peggy; children, Kim Hall (Thomas Hall), Steph Ott (Michael Ott), and Ryan Burnet (Madison Ludowese); grandchildren, Natalie Ott, William Ott, Amanda Hall, Lindsay Hall, Lauren Ott, Layla Burnet, Cy Burnet, and Ivy Burnet; sisters, Sue Burnet Hartzell and Julie Burnet; brothers-in-law, Douglas Paulson (Sherry) and Edward Dayton (Sherry Ann). Ralph was predeceased by his parents, William and Patty Burnet; sister, Kathleen Dayton; and sister-in-law, Gail Paulson Hanson.

A heartfelt thank you to Brent Terry who gave Ralph a kidney and another 8 years of life.

As we bid farewell to Ralph Burnet, we are reminded of the immeasurable impact he had on every life he touched. His legacy of generosity, humor and devotion will forever remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him. A celebration of life will be held on April 23rd at 3:00 pm at The Walker Art Center: 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN. This service will be live streamed at vimeo.com/event/4196850/…

If you wish, contributions in his honor may be made to Northside Boxing Club or The Walker Art Center.

“I did it my way” RWB

Published on April 21, 2024