Mark “Redman” Burnam, a Syracuse University lacrosse star and a beloved figure in the Haudenosaunee Nationals, passed away on September 10, 2025, at the age of 64 after a brave fight with cancer.
He was diagnosed with cancer on May 13, 2025, which was later found out to be stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s diffuse large cell B lymphoma.
The Lacrosses’ star had been undergoing chemotherapy treatments; however, he lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday.
Redman is survived by his wife, Lana Burnam, and their four children: Hugh Burnam, 40; Tyler Burnam, 33; Brad Burnam, 31; and Cheyenne Oakes, 28.
The Lacrosse star Redman and his wife, Lara, were married for 27 years. They walked down the aisle on August 22, 1998.
Although his wife hasn’t broken her silence on his passing, she had updated her Facebook profile picture in August 2025 to someone wearing a T-shirt with “Burnam Strong” written on the back.
This likely showed the family’s strength and prayers while Mark fought cancer.
She also changed her cover photo to a hand holding a painted stone that says “Hope,” suggesting the family was holding onto optimism during a tough time.
He was a family man who loved spending time with his loved ones.
Redman also leaves behind his parents, Stanley and Marlene, and three siblings, Denise (Mike), Dan (Beth), and Scott (Kendra).
Likewise, Redman also leaves behind four grandchildren: Hugh, Saka:rakhotáhsi, Rynn, and Laela, with another grandchild on the way.
The Lacrosse player will also be missed by his best friend and cousin Ed (Nancie); as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his uncle Joe Companion.
Redman Burnam, a Former Lacrosse Player, Made a Huge Impact as a Coach!
Mark was born on August 31, 1961, and grew up in Syracuse, New York. He was a standout at Henninger High School, where he helped his team win a state championship in 1980.
From there, he went on to Syracuse University. During his time at the university, he played a key role in winning the 1983 NCAA lacrosse championship and reaching the national final in 1984.
His talent didn’t stop there; Redman played professionally in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) for over a decade. He bagged titles with the Buffalo Bandits in 1992 and 1993.
He also played for teams like the New Jersey Saints, Rochester Knighthawks, and Syracuse Smash.
Redman also proudly represented the Haudenosaunee Nationals, captaining their teams in five world championships.
Beyond playing, he made a huge impact as a coach. In 2018, he led the Haudenosaunee Nationals (then called the Iroquois Nationals) to a bronze medal at the World Lacrosse Championship in Israel.
Lars Tiffany, who worked with Redman as an assistant coach in 2018 and later as head coach in 2023, shared how inspiring Mark was. “Red did it all, and won it all,” Tiffany said.
Similarly, he also coached at IMG Academy from 2016 to 2019.
Eventually, Redman’s achievements were recently recognized when he was selected for the Upstate Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame and the Akwesasne Hall of Fame for the Class of 2025.
Similarly, he also received the 2020 Travis Solomon Award.
Outside of lacrosse, Mark loved cars, hunting, and running his pizza food truck. He was a member of the Sailin’ Shoe team in Lake Placid, last competing with them in 2021.
A viewing for Mark will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Butler-Badman Funeral Home in Syracuse, New York.
A celebration of his life will follow from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Onondaga Nation Fire Department.
During this ordeal, we pray for the strength of Burnam’s wife, kids, and extended family.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, Mark ‘Redman’ Burnam!
