Kennan Burch: A man of dreams in the hands of the Master Artist

Kennan William Burch, 64, passed away peacefully on Sept. 1, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and creativity that touched the lives of countless people. A devoted husband to Lyn and a loving father to Gracelyn, Robbie and Brayden, Kennan’s life was a testament to the power of faith, service and dreams.

At the core of everything Kennan Burch did in his life was his family. His greatest source of joy and pride were the special moments created with Lyn, Gracelyn, Robbie and Brayden. Whether they were traveling somewhere together or just spending an evening at home, that’s where he wanted to be.

Kennan was the founder of Dream Builders, a movement inspired by his deeply held belief that “the glory of God is man fully alive.” He believed that we become fully alive when we accept the “Waterfall of God’s Grace” and pursue the dreams he has planned for our lives, using our unique gifts to love and serve others. The Dream Builder Creed, which Kennan lived and breathed, reflects his passion: “By the grace of God, we will pursue His dreams for our lives by listening for Him to say, ‘Let there be …’”

Through Dream Builders, people worldwide have been blessed by the dreams launched and supported by a community of faith, collaboration, divine intervention and unwavering encouragement.

Beyond Dream Builders, Kennan was an entrepreneur and the founder of Brand Catalyst Partners, where he specialized in helping companies build sustainable and meaningful brands. In addition, Kennan was a tireless advocate for the Central Florida entrepreneur community, serving as the founding Executive Director of The Entrepreneurs Alliance of Orlando. These ventures followed a successful 20-year career at Darden Restaurants, where Kennan served as marketing director for Red Lobster honing his skills and deepening his understanding of what it means to create a brand with lasting impact.

Kennan’s relationship with God was at the core of everything he did. He often expressed this relationship through his writing, including a deeply personal poem in which he reimagined his role in life.

“I used to believe that I was the performer and God was my audience, and I longed for him to say, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’ But I realized that I am not the performer; God is. I am His audience, invited to His concert of life, where His all-consuming music touches every part of me and the world around me. My purpose is not to create the music, but to listen, to be moved by it, and to encourage others to hear the music of the Master Artist. When I lay down my own instrument and listen, I find music so consistent, beautiful, vast, intricate, and freely given that it reflects the boundless love and intelligence of the Artist.

The greatest joy is found when I become an instrument in His hands, allowing Him to play His music through me.”

Kennan’s life was a living embodiment of this belief. He was not merely a man who lived well, but one who inspired others to live fully alive, to find meaning and purpose in the music of life, and to become instruments of God’s love in a world that so desperately needs it.

His legacy lives on through his family, in the dreams he nurtured, the brands he helped build and the faith he shared with all who knew him. Kennan Burch’s life is a beautiful concert, and those who had the privilege of knowing him will forever cherish the music he brought into their lives.

He will be deeply missed, but his spirit, wisdom and love will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who answer the question he asked everyone he met, “What promise did God make to the world when he created you?”

Kennan was born in Anderson, Indiana, and grew up in Melbourne.

A service was at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, at Lifebridge Church, 12120 Chase Road, Windermere, Florida 34786.