Henry K. Burnett

Henry “Keith” Burnett, a resident of Staunton, Virginia, was born on April 11, 1934, in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, England, and passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

A devoted husband, Keith married his beloved wife, Ruth, in 1955. Together they built a life defined by curiosity, craftsmanship, and adventure, living in and traveling through a variety of countries over the decades until her passing on April 15, 2023.

Professionally, Keith was an accomplished industrial engineer whose work played a significant role in the growth of an agricultural implement company that began as a small startup in England and ultimately expanded to international markets. Keith was instrumental in that growth, helping take the company and its sales across England and into other countries including Ireland, Canada, Norway, and eventually the United States, where he later retired. Following retirement, Keith and Ruth settled near Churchville, Virginia, a place they came to call home.

Outside of his professional life, Keith pursued his passions with remarkable dedication. Most notably, he was involved in vintage sports car racing, a pursuit he embraced as a lifelong passion. A respected and highly accomplished amateur competitor, he raced extensively with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), earning distinction as a Group 1 SVRA Champion, along with podium finishes at major vintage events including the Gold Cup at Virginia International Raceway and the Collier Cup at Watkins Glen.

Friends from the paddock often remarked that Keith was “a most gentle man—until he put on a racing helmet.” Off the track, he was remembered as friendly, generous, and “one of the guys.” On the track, however, he became fiercely competitive, admired for his precision driving, mechanical insight, and his ability to extract extraordinary performance from small-displacement British machines—cars he meticulously prepared and maintained himself. He raced at legendary circuits including Virginia International Raceway, Watkins Glen, Summit Point, and the iconic Silverstone Circuit in England.

Keith was equally passionate about sailing and was a longtime member of the American Sailing Association. He also devoted countless hours to restoring and rebuilding vintage British motorcycles, taking pride in thoughtful design, careful craftsmanship, and mechanical excellence.

Those who knew Keith locally remember him not for racetracks or accolades, but for his quiet kindness and gentle spirit. Together, Keith and Ruth were deeply loved by friends and neighbors for their warmth, humility, and genuine care for others. Whether sharing stories, offering help, or simply enjoying companionship, they left a lasting impression as two remarkably kind and gentle souls whose presence made life richer for all who knew them.