I’m David Burr and I know a guy. I have died as I have lived … tenaciously, stubbornly, passionately, full of love and adventure. I have been loyal and fiercely protective of my family and friends, and successful in my professional life (with a keen eye for $1.49 bargains).
I am predeceased by my father David Talbot Burr; my mother, Phyllis Lorraine Burr (nee Goodrich); my (much) older brother Michael and beloved aunts, uncle and grandparents. It is with great sadness that I leave my three sons, Matthew (Lily), Nick and Nathan, and my wonderful, devoted partner and best friend, Wendy Way, who supported, loved and unwaveringly guided me for many special years. I leave behind my favourite sister, Kathy; unshakeable brother-in-law, Gary; and three nephews, Ben (Sarah), Jeff and Alex. I also leave behind my very special sister-in-law, Georgia; nieces, Imogen and Stephanie and nephew, Sam. All lots of fun and very much appreciated. I have enjoyed many happy times with my grandson, Chase and grandnephews, Walker and Grayson. I loved being Gruncle.
I have been passionate about fishing and the outdoors all of my life and I am allowed to say that I excelled at all of these things. Special memories include whale watching, fishing and crabbing on ‘Don’t Drink The Water’, vacations in Hawaii and Mexico and camping at Fairy Lake and Port Renfrew.
I am ever so grateful to my loyal clients, my unbelievably dedicated “DB” office staff, Courtney, Jennifer, Cindy, Barb and Sue, my extended family Ché (Tia), Dana (Patrick), and many life-long friends.
I leave with cherished memories and a full heart knowing how much I loved and was loved. I hope you will remember me fondly as I pass along my favourite philosophy of life – ‘Shut-up and Fish” (with a martini).
My family and I want to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Joe at the Cancer Clinic (best socks in town!) and Dr. Gail Saiger and the wonderful nursing staff (special shout-out to Tracy – the negotiator) and the Home Palliative Care team at Victoria Hospice for the wonderful care I received.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Victoria Hospice Society would warm my heart – Bless You.
A Memorial service will be held at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, Victoria, BC on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 1 pm with reception to follow
Condolences may be offered to the family below
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Dave Helm
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Gary Pinkerton David, it has been an adventure over these past 40 years -[includes 8 years for “good behavior” while courting your sister before our marriage in 1981]- I will always remember your good heart, great sense of humour & living life to the max.; my main regret is that I didn’t get out to very many of the fishing & camping invitations – but as I kept telling Mikey & you – I had to work for a living… Plus, I seem to have a habit of breaking or losing the gear or the down rigger weights, leaving motors dangling off the end of the boat held on by the steering cable, etc., …BUT, I digress!!
So many of the Burr family and friends have played a large role in my life, starting with your sister, of course!, but remembering David & Phylis, Auntie Margo, Betty & Pauline, Uncle George & Auntie Anne, Mikey,Georgia, Sam, Imogen, Stephanie, and of course your sons – Matt, Nic & Nathan. I even got to know some of the other cousins and a few of your life-long friends.
You had two great women in your life – one being Kathy, who has had your back and been as dedicated & supportive sister as there ever was over the past 60 years! and the second, being your partner, Wendy, who helped the last 8 years of your life be as full as it could be.
Please go ahead and set the crab pots, we will be along to go check them with you, just not yet…
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Donna Murray Sincere Condolences to Wendy and the boys. It was an enjoyable experience working for you. Even though you were always “Gone fishing”. Thank you for taking a chance in me.
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Kate and Patrick Flanagan RIP …fisherman David…Thanks for a memorable day on your boat with Wendy as we chased the whales….life doesn’t get much better than that! It is etched in our memories forevva! You were a Rock Star and a true success in all you did David, Love The Flanagans xxoo
Success
To laugh often and love much;
to win the respect of intelligent persons
and the affection of children;
to earn the approbation of honest critics
and to endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to give of one’s self;
to leave the world a little better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to have played and laughed with enthusiasm
and sung with exultation;
to know that even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived,
this is to have succeeded.Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Donna Gendall...Grammie D Today we cried, laughed, remembered,shared what it has been like to have known you David Burr.You have left each and everyone of us with our own stories and memories to hold as we continue our life journey without you. I felt lost when I thought “who will have my back..now that you are gone?” That feeling left very quickly …. as I realized…you will always have my back! WE have shared a lot as you were my “boss” for 17 years (survival !!) but the most cherished memory I will have is…without knowing you..I would not have been given the gift of having some amazing young men that call me Grammie..
Nathan as my Godson, Nick and Matt. They are so proud to be your sons and will continue to make you proud of their success and determination to be what you wanted for them.
Wendy…no words can ease your pain and loss and I quote a little passage just for you….
Grief never ends… but it changes
It is a passage, not a place to stay…
Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith..
It is the price of Love…Grammie D xo
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Jane, Mark, and Greg David, you will be missed. Our thoughts are with Wendy, Katherine, all the kids.
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Wendy Way Well Mr. Burr…. It has been a journey, one of great memories, heartache, laughter, tears, joy, and travel…BUT most of all, admiration… You are a man of quality… In our journey, you have taught me a different kind of compassion that is so forgiving, one that I still try to follow…on a good day.
You have given me from your soul, kindness, loving, trust, caring, and understanding, like no other… We always worked well together ( as long as you listened ) and at the end of the day, we could look back and smile…and say ” We did it ” with a great embrace, a lovely kiss, and a warm heart….
You were/are my hero.. You are brave beyond what a person should have to endure… 3 years, and not one complaint did I hear about your illness..never… It was amazing to watch you pick yourself up on your worst days, get dressed, go out and do what you loved doing.. You were passionate about protecting your family, and so many people through the business… I have heard stories over the years how you helped so many people, but you never whispered a word about it.. you were humble with these stories..
I am not going to say goodbye.. I am going to say..see you later, because I believe you will be watching over me… I wait for the moment… maybe water on my WOOD floors !!! The smell of fish guts in my kitchen…or maybe just a gentle hand on my shoulder when I need it…I know you will be there Captain Bob xoxoxox Goodnight Sweetie…Love You to the moon and back…
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Dale Given Matthew, Nick, Nathan and Wendy
Such sad news. Save the memories!!! David was always good to me, and he was a fair boss. He had enough respect and faith in me, to let me manage my apartment building, mostly the way I chose. That was a big reason for always loving my job, and making it successful. His door at the office was always open to me, and I loved our conversations, which was usually full of humour, yet I always walked away feeling successful. He always seemed to see my reasoning in matters and any problems that I was encountering and listened.
I already miss him. Wishing you all peace.
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Deborah & Bill McEwen The world is a far less interesting place although somewhere off Port Renfrew the fish are tipping their martinis to Ole Mangy Dog Burr. We shall miss him a great deal.
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Rod Smith DAVID, You always made my work an adventure, never knew what you would send me to do, but always had fun doing it. You never had a problem jumping in and helping, even in your suit! Just rolled up your sleeves and jumped in to help. I had tremendous respect for that willingness to dive in and get it done. LOVED the way you told me to escape and go camping, because the boss will never know, THANKS BOSS, LOL!! I will miss you a lot, for many many reasons. You did the BOSS thing better than any other. I hope you are fishing with the big guy upstairs and catching the big ones that you never caught here. Many condolences to your family. With a sad and heavy heart I say goodbye boss, you are the best.
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John McMillan David we have been friends since 1963 when my parents and I moved next door to your folks place on Newport. Through out those years we always stayed in touch one way or another. While we may not have agreed on every subject we remained good friends and always shared a laugh. It always brightened my day to see you. I will remember you fondly and miss your lively banter.
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Lynnda Kennedy (Silverson) Wendy, My thoughts and prayers are with you especially at this very difficult time.Please call and we can have a cup of tea or something. Sometimes home can be very lonely place and it is nice just to get away from it all. A shoulder is here for you 24/7.
Hang in there Lynnda
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Goldie Sigal David — a very special guy, and great spirit. I did not know him well, but enough to appreciate his vibrant personality. He was an extraordinary role model for us all as to how to live and how to face death.
With my very deep sympathy to his loved ones in their sorrow,
Goldie Sigal
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Courtney "Frenchy to only David" David, David, David, what havoc you have created once again??! I feel like we are on another of your fishing ventures and you got peaved at us for bringing bananas, still don’t get that one, yet great conversation.
You truly are the one person most of us have met where anything we did together was a play that only you knew how it was going to end, usually with a nice meal and martinis.
David perhaps you didn’t realize the impact you had on all of us since to you life was a daily adventure that had to be played out. We could only watch and see where the fun would end and of course it was leaving renfrew “your gods country”.
My best memory will always be your “honesty and playing fair with everyone” regardless of stature!!
David you are a precious man to many, so now go forward into your new life and catch whatever excites you, and sometimes surprise us with your presence!!!
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Keith Boorman David Old Friend..Too many memories to put in words. Thank you your friendship which spans 40 years from the Boorman/Burr business days downtown and the many adventures we shared camping, canoeing at Fairy Lake and all the fishing trips where we always competed to catch the Big One…Walter.
Miss you.
Keith Boorman
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Avril, Alex and Bob David, your courageous battle these past few years was impressive indeed and a fine example of that Burr tenacity. May you rest well and peacefully.
And here’s a prayer for the other side: “Lord help me catch a fish so large that even when I tell of it I’ll never have to lie.” Tight lines!
Sincere condolences to Wendy and the rest of the family.
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Patryck Fielding Hey Captain
…. I’m gonna miss our banter. I could always count on you to give me a good reason to argue. And you gave me many ha!
….I’ll always love for introducing me to Wendy Way ( what a great gift and the best thing you did for me ) and for Aug.2/2015 and the incredible Orca show you navigated us girls over to see. WOW !!!!! The best Aug.2nd I’ll ever have !!!!!! FABULOUS
…. I’m gonna miss all our dinners, your smile, your generosity and your ” lets do it” approach to living. Even when I was shaking my head with “WTH!! , what are you doing now ?” , I secretly admired your tenacity.
… keep in touch with us, somehow….
xoxoxo
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The Lai brothers OH OH OH, what a sad sad news to hear. It is so sad that I can’t even let my other brother know because he is not in the best of health either. Our friendship go back a long long way with the whole Burr family. I believe it was early 1960 when my brothers came to Victoria to visit the only friend we had in Victoria, Russel Lee and family. Through Russel, we were introduced to David Burr Senior. As a true real estate professional, he grabbed the opportunity to introduce real estates to my brothers and very very soon we became the clients of the David Burr Real Estate empire. It is through this chance relationship that our family become real estate investors and immigrate to Canada from Hong Kong. we are grateful for the Burr family for many many years of service from David Burr Senior, Mrs. Phyllis Burr, Michael Burr and then David Burr. So very sorry to hear David to say good bye to us.
We knew David when he was a hippy until he changed his mind and settled down to join the family business. His dedication to his clients is un-questionable. We knew about his illness but was under the impression he is getting better. I met him next to our house only a couple of months ago and he was ok and was doing some fishing. What a shock to know I can see him no longer. This shock is equivalent to the news of Michael’s death.
Well David, you had a good life as you wrote in your un-usual, excellent self-obituary. May you rest in peace and come back to earth in your next life as good as you were in this past life.
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brent jansen You will be missed.
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Collin Rankie David my older brother best budd how I miss you already.May you rest in peace Luv u Catch the big fish you always said you did haha.
To Wendy and all the Burr family God bless you all.
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Michael David Allan Jan. 4, 2016
I thank you David for the last two decades and all the work you threw my way, for helping me achieve
my goals, for all the laughs and comraderie, for just being you.
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Chris Rehlen I,m the American who had the rare previlige of fishing with you on many occasions always catching our limit as yo were my captain Bligh.
Will miss you and will have an annual derby in your honor at Port Renfrew .
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Chris Marsh Goodbye old friend
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Val & Garry Begg Oh David …I know a guy too – but not as great as you (are)
Sorry family, sorry to hear that David has passed. The world will be a less interesting place without him. He was a good guy. He will be missed.
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Dave Helm