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
24 Responses
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
David, you will be missed. Our thoughts are with Wendy, Katherine, all the kids.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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!!!