BURNS, GERARD THOMAS Gerard Burns (Gerry) of Maugerville, husband of Gladys (McGarvey) Burns passed away on November 25th, 2009 at the age of 93. He was the youngest child of Walter Burns of Maugerville, NB and Mary Ellen (Haughton) Burns of Waterford, Ireland. He is survived by his wife, Gladys; his loving daughter, Mary who so faithfully took care of him; nephews and nieces, Lawrence Martin, Richard Martin, Frances Morris, Rachel Martin and Cynthia Anthony. He was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Eileen McDonald and Helen Martin. Gerard, "Gerry" or "G.T." as he was called by family and friends, worked with his father on the family farm and then continued operating it after his father's death. Gerry soon developed his entrepreneurial side, beginning a very successful contracting and trucking business. Gerry became an astute businessman and his company grew and prospered through his hard work and ability to make and keep friends and business relationships. By the late 1930s Gerry's sisters had both left Maugerville; Helen to Campbellton, and Eileen to Saint John and later New York. Although separated by hundreds of miles, the ties among the three siblings remained close until the end. Both Helen and Eileen died in 2005. Both sisters and their families visited Gerry, Gladys and Mary in Maugerville every summer. Their children still have fond memories of the beautiful Victorian house where Gerry, Helen and Eileen had grown up, and of the warm welcome extended to them over the years by Gerry and his family. Uncle Gerry as he was known to his nieces and nephews always had time and a kind word for children. One of their favorite pastimes was a drive with Uncle Gerry around the countryside to see an eagle's nest or visit friends and neighbors. Gerry's love of his family, his dedication to his work and his knowledge of the countryside became his hallmarks. He was an avid fisherman and his favorite sport was hunting on the Portobello Marshes. His knowledge for the countryside was legendary and a walk through the woods with him was a lesson in wildlife, botanics and history. He knew every square foot of the forests, fields and streams around him. A homebody to the core, in the best sense of someone who loves and cares for his home and prefers it to anywhere else on earth. He carried on the tradition of the Burns family who had arrived in Maugerville so long ago. Visitation will be held at Oromocto Select Community Funeral Home on Friday, November 27th, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Saturday, November 28th, 2009 at 1 pm with Fr. Ken Weir as celebrant. Interment will take place in the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery with a reception to follow at the funeral home. For those who wish, donations may be made to Oromocto Food Bank or to the charity of the donor's choice. www.oromoctofh.com (357-5100)