Alan Bruce Burnes

It is with great sadness that we express the loss of Alan Burnes who passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family at Sunnybrook Hospital on February 28, 2018 at the age of 90. Alan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Born in Timmins, Ontario, in 1927, Alan was the son of Bill and Myrtle Burnes and brother of the late William “Bill” Burnes of New Liskeard.

Shortly after graduating from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce degree Alan began what was to become a 36 year career with Lansing Building Supplies in Toronto. Alan was always proud of his industry roots, following in the footsteps of his father’s 44 year career in the Northern Ontario lumber industry. Alan was especially fond of his years working with and eventually leading the ORLDA/LBMAO association and working tirelessly on various committees in the Greater Toronto Homebuilders Association, representing his industry.

While working in Barrie with his future father-in-law Arnold Burrows, Alan was introduced to his daughter Elda. Elda became the light of Alan's life and they were married in Barrie in 1953. Shortly after, they moved to Toronto to start their new careers and family.

Alan was known for his boundless optimism, joie de vivre and innate sense of humour. His signature response when asked how he was faring was invariably “I'm about 110%!”, and for Alan, the glass could only ever be half full. This approach to life proved infectious to the friends and family around him.

Alan had a real passion for the outdoors, and more than anything he loved sharing this passion with his family and friends. Nowhere was this more evident than summers at the family cottage, enjoying boating, swimming, sailing and the simple pleasures of being together in front of a cozy fire.

Winter highlights were family outings to the ski club and family ski trips, again all centered around family and friends together. This quiet passion for outdoor activities lives on in the Burnes clan DNA today.

Since early childhood, Alan was a member of the United Church of Canada, and for as long as he was able, he continued his commitment to volunteer work at the church.

Alan’s children and grandchildren were his pride and joy throughout his family-centered life. Alan will be sincerely missed by his loving wife of 64 years, Elda; his three children and their spouses, Janet and Jeff Wells, David Burnes and Linda Spremo; and Robert Burnes; and Alan's seven grandchildren, James and John Wells, Michael and Marley Burnes, and Matthew, Christopher and Kaitlyn Burnes.

A Celebration of Life will take place at MOUNT PLEASANT FUNERAL CENTRE, 375 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto (east gate entrance, north of St. Clair Ave., 416-485-5572) on Tuesday, March 27th at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel, with a reception to follow.

If you wish, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salvation Army Meighen Manor or the Alzheimer Society of Toronto.