Roderick Winston "Rod" BURNS
Roderick Winston "Rod" BURNS
Obituary
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Roderick BURNS Obituary
February 18, 1942 – February 24, 2016
The many, many people who knew and loved Rod will be immensely saddened by his passing on February 24, 2016 at the Royal Victoria Hospital after a long illness which he fought with great courage, optimism and cheerfulness. He will be forever cherished and never forgotten by his loving wife and best friend of over 38 years, Tina (Allan). He is survived and will be dearly missed by his Auntie Barb and his cousins Ann (Bruce) and Doug (Cindy). He also leaves to mourn his brother-in-law Chris (Lorraine), his sister-in- law, Charlotte and his nieces Sarah, Nicola, Philippa, Kelsey, great-nephew, James and goddaughter, Bonnie. Rod spent his career in the travel industry (CP Rail, CP Ships, Nordair, Canadian Airlines and Air Canada) and leaves behind many colleagues who will miss his presence at Retiree Luncheons in Toronto. Rod was a good and loyal friend who made a difference in people's lives and was always there to help and listen. He was very proud of growing up in Valois and returning back to his roots after he retired from Air Canada in 2001. He will also be missed by his close friends, his neighbours and children in the community who have all supported Tina during this difficult time. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Collins Clarke MacGillivray White Funeral Home, 222 autoroute 20, Pointe-Claire, Quebec. Visitation will also be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2016 followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel to celebrate Rod's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rod's memory to the West Island Palliative Care Residence or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
43 Entries
John Marshall
February 20, 2019
Can't believe its two years, will call Tina hope all is well, thinking of you often
February 20, 2019
Still miss him in my life
Margot Smallwood
February 19, 2019
I remember Roddy as we called him then from Valois Park Elementary School. He was simply the kindest kid in so many ways. I always felt good when I saw him outside his house as I made my way home to Valois Gardens. It seemed like a long way home but he was like a guardian on the way.
Cherie Wright
February 19, 2019
Rod was a one in a million man - - kind, generous, full of fun and a wonderful friend and husband to Tina. He is greatly missed but has left us with many happy memories.
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Mary Travaglini
February 19, 2019
Remembering Rod and thinking of Tina
Lorraine da Costa
February 24, 2017
Dearest Tina,
I'm sure it doesn't feel like it was a year since your beloved Rod's passing. I will continue to pray for your strength and courage to keep on living a life that Rod would want for you.
As I said to you one year agoRod will forever be in your heart and soulyour love and lives together will never be lost! Rod is now your angeland that will never change!
The following verses I found, felt like they tell your story:
The rolling stream of life rolls on,
But still the vacant chair,
Recalls the love, the voice, the smile
Of the one who once sat there.
Nothing can ever take away
The love a heart holds dear,
Fond memories linger every day,
Remembrance keeps him near.
Gone from us, but leaving memories
Death can never take away,
Memories that will always linger
While upon this earth we stay.
With love to you on this special day of recognition for your beloved Rod, and warm hugs from your friend always,
Lorraine xox
Cherie and David Wright
February 21, 2017
Remembering Rod - A very special man - kind, generous and caring.
Sadly taken too soon and greatly missed.
Sherri Hopkins
April 17, 2016
I was one of the JRHS students that always appreciated Rod's wonderful sense of humour.
Tina, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your best friend.
Joanne Spirig
March 21, 2016
Dear Tina
I saw your card today at Curves and was surprised to learn that Rod had recently passed away. The last news that I had heard was a while ago, but it sounded like he was improving. Please accept my sincere condolences, and may happy memories and the support of family and friends help you through this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Jon Austen
March 14, 2016
Dear Rod,
Many fond memories of those days of our youth - Valois, Clearpoint, John Rennie; all very special times my friend. Wishing you a quiet peace.
March 14, 2016
Dear Tina,
So saddened to hear of the passing of Rod. We were away on spring break. Thinking of you and will come to see you soon.
Love Peter, Tracey and kids xoxoxox
Martin & Dorothy Foley
March 6, 2016
Roddy will surely be missed as we always looked at him to be Mr. Valois'.
He lived kitty corner to Martin Foley who was at 73 King's Rd. and was a schoolmate of Dorothy Lindsay who went through school with him and who lived at 52 Belmont Avenue. I worked with his mother at the Bank of Montreal.
Tina and he made us welcome when they moved back from Toronto and built their beautiful house on the original property.
Our condolences to Tina.
Linda Mason
March 1, 2016
To dear Tina,
We were very sad to hear of Rod's passing.
He was a kind caring person with a great sense of humour. We spent many a happy time with you both at Clay and Jane's home.
Remembering you both and sending our deepest sympathy to you Tina
Linda and Glenn Mason
Lorraine da Costa
March 1, 2016
Dearest Tina, Was so deeply saddened to hear the shocking news last week. On behalf of my whole family, our deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your beloved husband Rod. We pray for your strength so that as time goes on, your grief and sorrow may diminish until you can remember only the happiness and laughter and all the good times you shared together - memories that you can hold onto forever because your dear Rod will always be with you in your heart and soul. While it must be unbearable to think of life without your beloved Rod, he is now in a better place - a place free from illness and pain. He gave it the fight of his life didn't he? May Rod's strength and unbounded love for you give you the courage you need to go on and live life to the fullest, in the way he would have wanted you to. I cannot imagine how challenging it has been for you these past 6 months and how difficult of a time it is for you now. I do however hope that you find solace and comfort knowing that you were with dearest Rod right until the end. You were a devoted and loving wife to Rod always, but more specifically during these past 6 months when he needed you beside him the most. God will bless you for all that you endured while you continued to work hard to ensure that he was in the best of care at all times, with the best courses of treatment being administered. As such, I am certain that he is looking down on you now, with much love and gratitude. Although I didn't know Rod well, I will never forget what a kind and selfless man he was most importantly though, I will never forget how happy he made you and the countless stories you told about how he could always put a smile on your face with his wit and humour. What an amazing, remarkable man who touched the lives of so many people throughout his life - he will be so profoundly missed. Our most sincere condolences to you Tina, and to Rod's whole family - our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sorrowful time. Please know that I am here for you my friend, should you need anything at all. Terry, Lorraine, Jessica, Mitchell & Sabryna
Ed & Sue Desamrais
March 1, 2016
we are very sorry to hear about Rod's passing. He will be really
missed. We always enjoyed our conversations with him after work.
David McMurray
February 29, 2016
I've already added a message here but I hope the moderators will allow me another chance to get it right.
When I read of Roddy's passing in last Saturday's Gazette, my first reaction was a smile not because he had passed but because he had lived and I felt blessed to have played a small part in that life.
Valois in the 1950s was a community in transition; Roddy lived in old Valois, just west of the line which divided old and new. Many of us from the new part passed his house four times a day on our way to and from school and it wasn't long before he spotted us and made us feel welcome in the 'hood. And what a neighbourhood it was it doesn't take much reading between the lines of the messages posted here to realize how those of us who grew up in that time and place treasure that experience.
Roddy and I had a chance to reminisce at the JRHS reunion about those good old days; we talked about organizing a Valois reunion some day but I suspect each of us knew that wasn't going to happen in this life. I wouldn't be surprised if it happens in the next one however, in a place which looks very much like our childhood home.
I'm sure Tina knows what a special person Roddy was and I can assure her that a lot of others know it as well.
Wilma Honeyman (nee Norman)
February 29, 2016
Dear Roddy. Shared happy childhood days. Our neighbour and friend. From Brisbane Australia Cannot forget you
June Skye-Stacey
February 29, 2016
My condolences to Rod's family n friends. Knew him from CPShips - late 60's - early 70's.
Carol Hedley
February 29, 2016
Queen's Road will never be the same. Sympathy to Tina and family. Carol Hedley
Francine / Daniel Rene
February 29, 2016
Our deepest deepest sympathies to the whole family. May he watch over all of you. Our prayers are with you all.
February 29, 2016
Goodbye dear Roddy. Will so miss your smile, your wink and your cheerfulness. I will always remember your extraordinary kindness in helping those pass through Pearson Airport. You will be greatly missed.
Erna and Rich DeFrancisco
February 29, 2016
My sincere condolences......so sad and such a nice person.......
Debbie Keene
Edwina St-Jean
February 28, 2016
My deepest sympathy Tina and family. Worked with Rod at yyzap for many years. He will be missed....
February 28, 2016
Roddy was one of the kindest boys at Valois Park Elementary School. I am grateful to have reunited with you both at the JRHS 2000 reunion where we shared memories of our childhoods. My condolences to all.
Margot Smallwood Boland
Salt Spring Island BC
Carol Morley (nee Ball)
February 28, 2016
My Deepest Sympathy to you, Tina & Family. Rod was a dear friend of mine growing up in Valois and a train buddy on the 5:19!!
RIP Rod.
February 28, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy in the passing of Rod...I knew Rod from Nordair crew scheduling...A kind and caring soul.Always enjoyed his cheery voice when checking in for work...Condolences to his family...
Linda Holunga Jackson
At JRHS Reunion
Doug Brown
February 28, 2016
I knew Roddy in my young years in Valois and saw him again at the JRHS Reunion. He has a great sense of humour. Sorry to hear of his passing
Dave Welham
February 28, 2016
We, the many, many reservations agents who enjoyed working
with Rod at Nordair, CPAir, Canadian, and Air Canada, are saddened to learn of Rod's passing. Some of us are also ex-Montrealers who enjoyed reminiscing with him about the old days in "la grande ville". At the retirees luncheon in March we will miss his affable presence, but with happy memories of having worked with Rod.
Bill Lawler
February 28, 2016
To Rod you where part of my young life growing up and part of my family life in BC I remember you as my friend you will be missed
Perry Rowcliffe
February 28, 2016
Tina & family.
Very sorry for your loss. I worked with Rod at Nordair many years ago. Rod was a great guy with a great sense of humour, and enjoyed working with him. He will be missed!
Alex Gibson
February 27, 2016
Tina and family, my deepest condolences.
Rest in peace Rod.
God Bless
Claudia Folkard
February 27, 2016
Tina and family
Very sorry for your loss of someone very very special.Rod always made me feel at home no matter where we were and always had a smile and a great story. Deepest sympathies
Claudia Folkard
Cherie and David Wright
February 27, 2016
A kind,loving and generous man who loved to share a joke or a tale. A friend who we will miss and of whom we have many happy memories. Rod will be greatly missed.
Cherie and David Wright
February 27, 2016
Rod was a warm, friendly, generous man and a good friend who we will miss greatly. He also had a good sense of humour and enjoyed sharing a joke or funny tale. His premature passing will be felt by many who knew and loved him.
February 27, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to you , Tina, upon your loss of Rod - a dear Valois friend to so many. May you stay strong through this difficult time.
Sincerely, Pete and Judy (Davison) Kuzik
Puerto Aventuras, Mex. & Ste-Anne-De- Bellevue, Qc
Hammy McClymont
February 27, 2016
A warm and generous man, of all the kids in the neighbourhood, Rod was Mum's favourite. Bless you Rod, Rest now.
john and norma marshall
February 27, 2016
Tina he will always be with us, will miss his constant updates on all our friends. Thinking of you always love Norma and John
Par Spring
February 27, 2016
This is a long & treasured friendship which goes back to grade one. I have been blessed to have had this man for my friend. I will never forget.
Sandy and Diane Robertson
February 27, 2016
Very sorry for your loss Tina. In the limited time we got together over recent years with you, Brian and Ann we saw why Brian considered him one of his best friends. He will sure be missed.
Mary Travaglini
February 27, 2016
I will miss Rod. My condolences to his family & friends.
Dave and Gail Baldwin
February 27, 2016
Wonderful memories. RIP my friend
February 27, 2016
Tina and family. Our deepest sympathy on e loss of our beloved historian Rod. I cannot imagine going down the road knowing he will not pop out but know he is watching over the neighbour hood. Tina you are the epitome of being there for someone. Strength to you my dear. Judy and Norm
David McMurray
February 27, 2016
Goodbye, old friend.
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222 Autoroute 20, Pointe Claire, QC H9S3X6
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