BURRELL, GUY
1923 - 2015
Guy Frederick Burrell left his five girls on June 9, 2015 to be with his wife Winnie, who predeceased him. Dad was born in Blacks Harbour, NB on August 6, 1923, son of the late Howard Burrell and Carrie (McLaughlin) Spencer. He is the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Dad is survived by his daughters Christine (Kevin) Montague of Fredericton, Jackie (George) Gilliland of Quispamsis, Joan (Tom) Manning of Quispamsis, Cathy (Ken) Scott of Edmonton and Wendy (Jerry) Kunitzky of Saint John; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
Dad was also predeceased by his brothers Derwood and Frank and sisters Cora, Vera, Annie and Fern.
In 1943, Dad answered the call of his country as the 1st man in the railroad corporation of the Royal Canadian Engineers and served overseas in Scotland, England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Dad just received the "France Medal of Honour" and he also received a pin and certificate of recognition from the Netherlands as a tribute for his part in their liberation. During his time overseas he met our Mom and brought his war bride back to McAdam, N.B. Months later they moved to Saint John, N.B. living at 73 Beaverbrook Ave for 44 years and then 18 years at 8 Brentwood Cres. Dad moved into the Ridgewood Vets Wing in 2012.
Upon Dad's return from active duty, he worked many part time jobs including Acme Construction, Irving Pulp & Paper, Saint John Sugar Refinery, Extra Gang and C.P.R. Dad finally received full time work in 1964 at the CPR from where he retired in 1984. He was president of the United Transportation Union for 10 years. Dad always knew as a boy he wanted to work on the railroad and started work at the CPR Hotel in McAdam at the age of 17. He laid a lot of steel, making the yard bigger for the war effort. He was encouraged to write the rules for braking at 18 years old. Railroading was in his blood.
Dad then answered the call to his community, being a Cub Master at St. Luke's Church for 16 years and four years at Portland United Church. He was awarded the Long Service Medal and the Medal of Merit from Ottawa for his efforts. He became the President of the Great North District. No wonder so many have met him on the street and thanked him for being such a great role model. Leading his cubs was his favorite hobby. He also volunteered at the Romero House, Red Cross (now known as Canadian Blood Services) and the Poppy Campaign as a Vet. He was the founder of the Millidgeville Senior Centre. He served as the 1st. Vice-President at the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch #64) where Dad received the Meritorious Service Pin and was honoured with a life membership. He was an usher at Portland United Church and member of the Men's Club there. Dad also served on the board of the Brentwood Garden Homes in Millidgeville.
Dad enjoyed listening to country and western music; being outdoors, gardening, camping, fishing and hunting. Dad loved to hook rugs and each one of his girls has a piece of his work. Dad belonged to the Post Office camp where we as a family vacationed each year. Each Sunday when we were kids, Mom and Dad would take us to the beach to picnic for the day and in the wintertime we enjoyed many sliding and skating events. Dad was a great family man and we all have wonderful childhood memories.
Mom and Dad enjoyed many trips and cruises together. They took great pleasure from playing cards, up to four times a week. They loved going to Lorneville where they always met up with their oldest and dearest friends Irene and Nordie Christie.
Dad and his family wish to express our THANKS to all the staff and volunteers at Ridgewood Veteran's Wing for their Humanity, Respect, Compassion and continuous love for our Dad. You are truly gifted people.
Relatives and Friends are invited to join Dad's family at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) for visiting on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 pm. A Tribute to a Veteran Service will take place at 7 pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 15, 2015 from Fundy Funeral Home chapel at 11 am followed by a reception at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Ocean View Memorial Gardens.
For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Ridgewood Veterans Wing's - Comfort Fund or the charity of choice.
To send a message of condolence please visit www.fundyfuneralhome.com