DONALD GLEN BURDENY

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DONALD GLEN BURDENY Sadly and accidentally on Friday, November 24, 2006 our beloved father and husband, Don was taken from his family and friends. He leaves his soulmate and wife of 47 years, Margaret. Don was the very proud parent of children, Kathleen (Dave), Jim (Denise), David (Vicki) and Michael (Marianne); grandchildren, Jared and Nathaniel and the dogs, Storm and Hudson. He was born in 1937 in Ethelbert, Manitoba to Michael and Mary Burdeny after his two older sisters, Betty and Sonia. He graduated from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Engineering (Electrical) where he met Margaret and they were married soon thereafter. Don began his career at Manitoba Telephone System, then Motor Coach Industries, Transport Canada and then the Manitoba Government. Don was an entrepreneur at heart and spent so much of his time involved in countless endeavors, too numerous to mention. Most recently, Don was known for his involvement in East Beach community projects, he loved living in the community and always enjoyed meeting with old and new friends through his work. Anyone whose life he touched would agree that he loved helping others. He did so freely without hesitation or expectation. In fact, his favourite reward for a job well done was as little as a casual breakfast or lunch. With friends and family, Don was often first to suggest going out for dinner for a friendly get together or to mark a celebration. His passion in life was technology. Throughout his life, he was often known to pursue technical solutions that improved many people's lives. From inventions to purchasing the latest gadget, Don loved anything electrical and was often one of the first to own the latest technology. As time went on, he continued his interest in personal computers as he built websites and conducted repairs for friends and local businesses. He loved driving and would find any excuse to take a trip somewhere, no matter how short or far away. In addition to drives in the car, he also enjoyed his motorcycles, snowmobiles and boats. More than anything Don loved his family. He never grew tired of telling whoever would listen how proud he was of all his children and grandchildren. He was proud of who they had become and of each of their successes. He loved hearing about their adventures, visiting them, holidaying with them or just catching up on their latest news. Each one of them has many happy memories of all the time they shared with their Dad growing up. Don and Margaret were inseparable for 47 years. They were never happier than when they were together, simply enjoying the outdoors, picking mushrooms, berries, gathering fallen wood for the fire, out for a quiet meal or visiting with friends and family. Don will be missed so very much by his family, as well as his many friends. He will live on in our hearts and minds forever because of all the happy memories that we've had together. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, 309 Eveline St., Selkirk, with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grand Beach and Area Development Corporation, P.O. Box 279, Grand Marais, MB R0E 0T0 or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Manitoba in Don's memory. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2006