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Thomas Holland BURDON,
Thomas Holland BURDON,
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Thomas BURDON, Obituary
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada,
died March 14, 2013,
Los Altos Hills, California.
Tom/Dad/Grampy passed away peacefully while visiting with his son Tom A. and family. He was surrounded by many of his family in a loving environment during his final voyage. His unique energy, extraordinary wit and life force will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his brother Fred; his children, Dave (Brenda), Linda Cameron (Adrian d'Angelo), Camrose (Cletus Peters), Doug (Sharon Lowe), Tom A. (Eva Weinlander), and Carma; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his wife Barbara and his brother Roger.
Soon after graduating from Saint John High School Tom took officer training at Royal Roads in Victoria and joined the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve. In World War II he served on corvettes and other ships that were famed for their courageous escorting of Allied convoys through treacherous seas during the Battle of the Atlantic. In 1941 he was part of the escort group for a 52-ship convoy when it was fiercely attacked by a U-Boat wolfpack, losing 11 ships. After the war he had a long career with Zeller's, first managing the Fredericton store, then moving to Head Office in Montreal and becoming VP Human Resources. He was a loyal company man throughout his career.
Tom was regarded as a wise community citizen and served in leadership positions with the Boy Scouts, YMCA, United Way and the Lac St. Francois Xavier Lake Association. His counsel was sought and respected by many from within and outside the family.
A lifelong learner and traveller, Tom was passionately curious about the origin of life, all aspects of science, ancient civilizations, general semantics, and the theories of economist Henry George. He was a proud Canadian and a staunch Conservative.
He and Barbara created countless treasured memories for many at the fabled "Four Gables" and "The Base", the family's lakeside homes in Montfort, Quebec. No one left their home without a sense of renewal, rejuvenation and connection. The gift of these memories will be cherished by all who knew him.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held in summer 2013. For information, or to share your memories with the family, please contact Dave Burdon [email protected] 1-604-534-2419
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
9 Entries
Bill Clark
June 28, 2013
I always admired Mr. Burdon (he will always be Mr. Burdon to me). Besides having the best organized house and yard at the lake, he had accomplished so much in his life. From doing his duty in World War II to leading a major Canadian company, to bringing up a family of highly accomplished children, this was a man with goals who set out and accomplished them. In my late teens I remember talking with him at length sometimes about my career goals. His advice has proven to be very valuable and I look forward to passing it on to my children.
To Dave, Linda, Camrose, Doug, Tom, and Carma, I send my deepest sympathies and condolences.
Gloria Hunter
March 29, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the whole Burdon family. It was a pleasure to have Tom as our neighbor for 4 years and we will miss him very much. Gloria & Peter
Gloria Hunter
March 29, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Burdon family. What a pleasure it was to have known Tom and been his neighbor for the past 4 years. He was the best and we shall miss him very much. Gloria & Peter
Ariel Lazurko
March 22, 2013
My Grandpy was a great man. He always loved to chat to anyone he saw but, was always entertaining. He is my role model and is who I think of when I feel down. He and Grannie will be forever in our hearts. Love, Ariel.
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March 22, 2013
Doug & Family
My condolence for the passing of your father. He always stopped to say hello too me, even going out of his way when ever we met. Keep fonds memory of him
Violette Weekes Deslauriers & Family
Margaret Gillingham
March 22, 2013
What a wonderful man. We have such wonderful memories. I can't help but smile when I think of those fishing trips. He was like Florence Nightingale in the middle of the night leading Ross around. Will truly miss him. With much love and condolences to the family.
March 22, 2013
Grampy was a wonderful and very special man in my life. He was my second Father and I will always hold gratitude and fond memories of him. My condolences and love go out to all the family. He was so proud of you all.
Love
Cindy Gilingham/Moxness
March 22, 2013
What wonderful memories we had with this dear man. He will be truly missed. Can't help but smile when |I think of how he looked after Ross on those fishing trips, he was like Florence Nightingale at night with his flashlight. Much love and condolences to the family. Margaret Gillingham
March 22, 2013
My sympathies to the Burdon family.This obit was absolutely so true of Tom and Barbara....even as a helper to them I felt like family.He is now with Barbara and may they rest in peace.
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