Adrian Franklin Burgess fell asleep peacefully in death at the age of 94 on Oct 25, 2014. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Evelyn; his children, Charlene (Serge) Belanger; William (Bjorg) Burgess; Ellen (Thomas) Genik; Marion (Peter) Teodorovici and Daniel (Celine) Burgess. He will always be cherished by his 10 grand children, 2 step great-grand children and 3 great-grand children. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Ann Burgess; three sisters, Joyce Marie, Charlotte Muriel and Marion Lucille and his son and daughter-in-law Kenneth and Karen Burgess.
Adrian was born December 19, 1919 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan to William and Mary Ann Burgess. Because his father was a CPR station agent and was transferred often, Adrian and his younger sister Marion moved with their parents to various small communities throughout Saskatchewan during their childhood. When Adrian grew up he also worked for the CPR. He and his father worked for the railway a combined total of eighty years.
Adrian married Evelyn Marjorie Plewis on June 18, 1946. They had six children. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this year and had a very strong and loving marriage right up to the end. Their loyalty and commitment to each other was an inspiration to their family and to all who knew them. Even in their later years Adrian and Evelyn could be seen helping each other to push their wheelchairs down the long hallway back to their room in the Swift Current Care Center where they resided for the last six years. Adrian would be behind Evelyn pushing on her wheelchair while Evelyn pulled them along by the hallway handrails.
Adrian and Evelyn dedicated their lives to Jehovah God and were baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses in Swift Current SK on Oct. 2, 1949. They served Him together for 65 years. Serving Jehovah was the most important part of their lives. Three years after he was baptized, Adrian was appointed to serve in the Swift Current congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. He served as an elder right up until his passing.
Adrian and Evelyn considered it a great privilege to have a weekly Bible study group meet in their home for 50 years. Adrian was known for his warm hospitality. Many in the congregation have fond memories of the encouraging fellowship after the meetings when lunch was served and everyone sang Kingdom songs around their piano.
Music was always a big part of Adrian's life. He loved to entertain visitors by playing the piano for them. He was able to play the repertoire of songs that he had memorized into his late 80's, even after he lost his vision. He encouraged his grandchildren to take music lessons, and attended their performances.
He learned to play the piano by ear as a young boy. He always loved telling the story about the little boy who watched him play the piano with rapt attention because his mother had told him that Adrian played the piano by ear. The boy looked up at her with big eyes and said "Mommy, which ear?"
His children remember him as a father who always led by example. He participated wholeheartedly in the house to house ministry, sharing his hope of a paradise earth restored under God's Kingdom. He taught his children to have a zealous share as well. He felt it was important for the family to eat meals together and used these occasions to read a daily Bible text that would benefit the family spiritually.
Adrian had many fond memories. He and Evelyn travelled by train in 1950, 1953 and 1958 to three large international conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses in New York City. They visited Norway and travelled throughout Europe in 1981. He was also licensed to perform marriages in Saskatchewan and married many Christian couples. He had the honor to give the wedding talk for two of his daughters.
Adrian will be remembered by those who loved him for his good-natured, positive outlook and his sense of humor. We long for the day when he will enjoy life to the full in paradise on earth. "Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor." - Job 33:25
A memorial service was held on November 1, 2014 from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Swift Current SK with Mr. Stephen Park officiating. Interment was at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Swift Current SK.
Praise for my father;
You died like you lived your life: peacefully, without fuss. You imitated Jehovah your heavenly father by being an example to all of us kids; an example of generosity and love. Throughout our lives, we could always count on your moral and financial support in our endeavors to serve our creator more fully. In harmony with Matthew 6:20 you are a spiritual millionaire.
Je t'aime papa. Ce n'est q'un Au Revoir.
(I love you, dad... until we meet again.)
Your son, Dan
Adrian's family would like to convey heartfelt thanks for the loving and gentle care given to our father over the years by those who have worked at the Swift Current Care Centre. We also appreciate the warm and compassionate love you continue to show to our mother.
We also want to express our appreciation for our dear spiritual brothers and sisters who have wrapped us in their love and helped us through a difficult time. The Burgess family.