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RICHARD NORMAN BURKETT Obituary pic

RICHARD NORMAN BURKETT

Born: Oct 11, 1950

Date of Passing: Sep 29, 2015

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RICHARD NORMAN BURKETT October 11, 1950 - September 29, 2015 After a courageous battle with many health challenges, Richard Norman Burkett passed away peacefully at the age of 64 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, B.C. surrounded by a family who loves him. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 44 years, Heather, his treasured daughter Gillian Furby and her husband Josh and Richard's special granddaughter Mia. Richard also leaves his brother Chuck (Shelley), sister Diane (Geoff) Harms, nephews Brian Harms, Michael Harms, and Kevin Burkett, nieces Carlie Burkett and Lindsey Harms, sister' Shirley Hemming as well as other family members and friends. His parents, Margaret and Herbert Burkett, and his in-laws, Anne and Donald Scott Cummings, predeceased Richard. Richard was a gentleman, known for his integrity, ready wit, quick intelligence and thirst for knowledge. He was always ready to help others, most often anonymously. His generosity of spirit, loyalty, humility and the fact that he never complained about the many health challenges he had, made him appreciated by all who knew him. He worked for 11 years in the River East Transcona School Board Office in charge of technology. The balance of his career saw him inspiring children as a teacher. He served two terms as the President of the Computer Education Coordinators of Manitoba, held several executive positions including President of the Science Teachers Association of Manitoba and acted as the director of the Manitoba Science Fair as well as working with the Manitoba Department of Education in developing materials and assisting teachers throughout the province to become connected.' He made presentations in Canada, the U.S. and in Europe and won the National Innovators in Technology Award. He ran an Apple Innovation Centre and left many programs, manuals, and writings for those who followed him. He had an eclectic taste in music, anything from opera to hard rock. He had an appreciation for First Nations Art and teachings, taking many courses through the University Of Victoria. After a recent trip to Hawaii he took up the ukulele. He loved travelling having visited over 40 countries and in more recent years had developed a passion for golf. He volunteered at Craigdarroch Castle, the Royal B.C. Museum, and the SHAW Centre to name a few. A Celebration of Richard's Life will be held at First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, B.C. at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2015 with Pastor Travis Stewart officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Geoff Harms, Chuck Burkett, Kevin Burkett, Dr. Brian Harms, Dr. Michael Harms, Wayne Bembridge, Brian Metcalfe, Barry Dennis and Francois LaVictoire. The family wishes to thank the ICU staffs of Victoria General Hospital and the Royal Jubilee Hospital for their kindness and care as well as Richard's many compassionate and skillful doctors who supported him during the last few years. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory may be made to the Salvation Army, the O.R.C.C.A. Dental Clinic Society, a society that Richard named, or a charity of your choice. First Memorial Funeral Services 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, V8Y 1B4 Phone: 250-658-5244 www.firstmemorialfuneral.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2015

Condolences & Memories (15 entries)

  • Dear Heather and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Richard Burkett's passing. What an inspiration and pivotal teacher he was for me. Mr. Burkett was my grade 6 teacher at Maple Leaf around 1985 or so. He was simply fantastic. He was truly a great, great influence in my life. He was the first person outside of my family who believed in me as a writer. He came to my very first book launch. I can't even begin to express what a thrill, a joy, and an honour it was to know him and to be inspired by him. I was blessed to be loved and encouraged by him. I pray for peace for each of you as you mourn the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. I am so grateful to have had the chance to know him. I am 42 now. He was my teacher when I was around 12. And as I look back I see the longterm benefit and privilege of such an excellent man. Blessings to each of you, Paul - Posted by: Paul H Boge (Student and friend) on: Nov 07, 2015

  • Dear Burkett family I worked at Maple Leaf school with Richard. He was a fine man and colleague who I enjoyed. He had a gentle nature, a unique laugh, and smile. He blessed our lives. May God give you comfort and give you peace as you must go through this difficult valley in your life. Ursula Ditchburn - Posted by: Ursula Ditchburn () on: Oct 12, 2015

  • We are so saddened to hear about the loss of a dear friend and godparent to our daughter. Rick was always constant; constantly benevolent, wise, flexible and accommodating. Such a rare gentleman and so affirmative and humble. His modesty hid his piercing intelligence, an intelligence that he so gently displayed. Turn to any topic and you would have an immediately fulfilling conversation. That was even while avoiding his areas of expertise where he was light years and beyond in knowledge(eg technology) Heather and Gillian were lucky to be a partner and daughter to such a wonderful man as Richard. There's a glow to his remembrance. Lori and Bruce Christie - Posted by: Bruce and Lori Christie (Friends) on: Oct 12, 2015

  • One of the really good men. - Posted by: Heather Biblow-McDougall (Friend) on: Oct 09, 2015

  • Heather, Gillian, Josh, Mia, and Ricks family, our hearts go out to you all. The world has lost a true gentleman. His zest for life, and a genuine concern for all those, who's lives he touched, will always be remembered. We are so thankful for our summer visit! - Posted by: Carlou and Terry Wareham (Heather's cousin) on: Oct 08, 2015

  • Heather and family. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious Richard. Always hold onto all of your amazing memories that you all made as a family. I am so thankful that you had a great life together as a family.Heaven just welcomed in another Angel. It is so true that God takes the BEST. May you all be comforted knowing that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Bonnie Irwin (2nd cousin) on: Oct 08, 2015

  • Dear Heather and Gillian, my sincere sympathies to you and your family in your loss. May many happy memories help to sustain you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Judy Urbonas (Friend) on: Oct 08, 2015

  • Condolences to Heather, Gillian, Josh and Mia with special appreciation for Richard's assistance with "Construct as you Conduct" manual. - Posted by: Helen Litz (Colleague) on: Oct 08, 2015

  • Dear Heather and family, We were very saddened to read of Richard's passing in the Free Press yesterday. As you know, my stepfather, Walter Latter was a wonderful friend of your parents, Don and Anne. I also remember them fondly as well as you Heather. We connected with each other in that we were both educators and only children. We want to say that we are very sorry to hear of your loss and may it give you strength to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Joycelyn and Bryan Gawryluk and family (my step-father was a very good friend of Heather's parents) on: Oct 08, 2015

  • We are so saddened to learn of Richard's passing and wish to extend our deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to all the family. Richard was an outstanding educator and mentor always giving freely of his time to students and colleagues. May heaven's sun forever shine upon his face and the wind always be at his back. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. - Posted by: Norm and Sachi Guilbert (Colleagues) on: Oct 08, 2015

  • I am thinking of you and your family at this sad time, Heather. May happy memories help you in the days and months ahead. - Posted by: Terry Borys (Friend ) on: Oct 08, 2015

  • Heather and family, My sincere sympathy on the passing of Richard.My thoughts and prayers are with you and Gillian and the family.Marnie informed me of Richards passing. Fondly I still remember how kind you and Richard were to me when I use to get rides with you both to U. of Manitoba.May Richard's loving memories always be near you. Fondest Regards, Emelia Samcoe Saskatoon,Sk. - Posted by: Emelia Samcoe (Knew Richard and Heather well years ago.) on: Oct 07, 2015

  • Mr. Burkett was a treasured teacher back in the day at Maple Leaf School. We all learned so much in the way of technology, when computers in schools were still a ground breaking initiative. I also had the pleasure of learning from him as an adult during technology professional development in RETSD. He will be fondly remembered and missed by many former students and colleagues. - Posted by: Kelly McLellan (Student) on: Oct 07, 2015

  • Thanks for your many years of your marvelous witt at the Gentleme's Poker Club. You will always be remembered. - Posted by: Don Oryniak (poker buddy) on: Oct 07, 2015

  • We will miss Richard in our day to day lives. He was a friend who we could count on in any situation - I think he was even an emergency contact on our passports! He was a golfing partner, geo-caching buddy, house-renovation assistant, and dinner companion. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts & our lives. - Posted by: Teri & Wayne Bembridge (friends) on: Oct 07, 2015

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