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DONALD BURNS Obituary
The Reverend Donald Burns, a resident of Ottawa, died peacefully after a brief illness at the age of ninety-nine years. He was born in Montreal in 1914 and died on March 18, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Mary, by his sons, John and Stephen Burns, by his stepson, Professor John Hayes, and stepdaughters Maureen and Megan Hayes.
A graduate of McGill University, Mr. Burns was ordained in 1936 as a minister of the United Church, a vocation he pursued for the rest of his life. After serving a mission in the coal mines of British Columbia and on the Saskatchewan prairies where he spent the war years as an RCAF Chaplain, he then spent many years in parish work in northern and southern Ontario. He finally returned to Montreal, where he served for the rest of his long ministry.
A Memorial Service and reception will take place in the Redwoods Retirement Residence at 2604 Draper Ave., Ottawa at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2013.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
7 Entries
January 12, 2014
Jan.2014
Today I was polishing a beautiful siver pedestal dessert plate, remembering the wonderful times we had with the Burns family, who gave me the pedestal. Decided to try to locate them. and happened upon this news of loss. Would like to talk to the boys.
sincerely Carolyn(morley)Pearce I can be reached at:[email protected]
Sid Seeley
March 23, 2013
My condolences to all the family. I was a great friend of Don's son John while the famly lived in Thunder Bay and was greatly impressed by Don both as a minister and family man. While we have lost touch over the years, I still remember those years fondly.
March 20, 2013
Mamie and Hayes cousins -- our thoughts and prayers are with you... Dave and Gail Watson
March 20, 2013
Mary and family. Ny thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. You and Don were such wonderful neighbours for mom and it was fun getting to know you both.
Margaret Taylor
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Karen Watson
March 20, 2013
Mamie and the Hayes, our sympathies to you and prayers for Don, Love from Karen, Brad and the Watsons
Deana Henry
March 20, 2013
Mary...my deepest condolances to you and all the family for your loss. I was formerly a resident of Walden village and your neighbour on the 3rd floor there. Don was the most generous and gentle man and was a tremendous help to me when I was so sick.....Deana Champion-Demers (Henry)
Rev. Whitman Strong
March 20, 2013
Mary and the extended family: On behalf of the Montreal & Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada, I offer my deepest sympathies on the passing of Rev Donald. We are grateful for the many years he served in ministry within our United Church. Please be assured that you and your family are being held in our prayers now and in the days ahead.
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