Burnie passed away on Thursday, December 19 at St. Joseph's Hospital at the age of 96 of cancer. He was a kind and considerate man who will be dearly missed by family and friends.
Burnie was born at the family farm near Bethune, Saskatchewan and spent much of his youth in the pioneer town of Carrot River, Saskatchewan. During WW II, he was a mechanic in the RCAF. Following the war, he married Muriel and they built their home in Campbell River, raising four sons. While Burnie enjoyed fishing, playing cards and travel, he is best remembered for his gardens which were a great source of pride to him.
Burnie was highly valued as an employee and co-worker throughout his career. He enjoyed and was most proud of his last job as head of Maintenance at Campbell River General Hospital, from which he retired at the age of 63.
Late in life, Burnie was blessed by his marriage to Corine. They built a loving, happy home and were tremendously supportive of each other.
Burnie is survived by his wife Corine of Courtenay, sister Dorothy (Fred) of Abbotsford; sons Don (Elaine) of Campbell River, Stanley (Rennae) of Port Coquitlam, and Owen (Angie) of Qualicum Beach, and grandchildren Cameron, Melanie (Liam), Matthew, Andrew, Courtenay (Rob), Anthony, Aarron, and Spencer. He is remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by Muriel, his wife of 55 years, son Norman, brother William and sisters Evelyn, Mildred and Mary.
The family thanks the doctors and staff of St. Joseph's General Hospital for the wonderful professional and compassionate care they provided him.
Friends are invited to join the family in a celebration of Burnie's life on Saturday, 10 January at 2:00 PM, at Comox Valley Funeral Home, 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay.
For those wishing to do so, donations in Burnie's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, with the family's appreciation. As blood transfusions maintained Burnie's life the last several years, the family encourages blood donation. Contact Canadian Blood Services: www.blood.ca or 1-888-236-6283 for information on how to become a blood donor.