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BRIAN BURKETT
Born: Jan 09, 1962
Date of Passing: Jun 15, 2020
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BRIAN BURKETT
January 9, 1962 - June 15, 2020
He leaves to mourn his wife Sherry, mother Lorraine, daughter Chrissy, son-in-law Mitch, grandchildren, Keila and Coda, brothers, Bill (Helen) and Bob, sisters-in-law, Valerie (Bobby) and Karen (Mike), brother-in-law Randy (Dolly), niece-in-law Charlene (Terry), many more nieces and nephews and a lifetime of great friends. He was predeceased by his father Ron when he was only 10 years old, brother Jim, and Adam, who became like a father to him.
Brian worked for the Province of Manitoba for 40 years, beginning at the Legislative Building taking care of the grounds and ending at Cadham Lab as the Facility Manager.
Brian's happy place was his cabin in Grand Marais, which he aptly named "A Better Place to Be". He and Sherry spent every possible moment they could there. He loved spending his time building and fixing things, looking after his yard, enjoying a Labatt Lite, listening to his music and sharing his cabin and deck with friends and family. He was happiest when Chrissy, Mitch, Keila and Coda came out for the weekend. The end of the day would mean a walk down the road to watch the sunset into the lake.
Growing up Brian played many sports such as hockey, football, basketball and baseball. While he had great athletic ability, he also excelled because he was always willing to sacrifice his body to make the play. Later in life he started curling and while he did not excel on the ice (especially in the sweeping department) he more than made up for it in the social part of the game.
Brian loved watching sports and especially his favourite teams - the Bruins, Jets, Blue Bombers and for some reason the Buffalo Bills. Friday Night Football at the lake meant drinks, snacks and shooters every time the Bombers scored. Like many long suffering Bomber fans he was ecstatic (and shocked) when the Bombers finally won the Grey Cup last year.
Brian's greatest strength was taking care of other people ahead of himself. He would do anything for anyone at any time. This was especially true when it came to looking after his mom, Sherry and Chrissy and her family. Upon learning of his terminal diagnosis, he spent much of his time and energy doing everything he could to ensure that they would be okay after he was gone.
Brian's wish was for us to celebrate his life by sharing food, drinks, laughter and stories together. This will be held at a later date when we can party the way that he wants us to.
Brian has now drunk 14 more beers, ate his midnight snack and gone to bed.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2020
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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I had the pleasure of working with Brian at Cadham as a service provider for over 13 years. As a young tech, he would grill me on reports and procedures! But as we worked together more, I found him to be one of the best client contacts we had. Realistic, down to earth, practical, respectful and accommodating. His laid back attitude made working at Cadham a real pleasure, thats not to say that he would accept anything less then the highest quality of work. Brian introduced his son-in-law to us about 10 years ago, he was confident in his work ethic and abilities. That introduction lead to hiring one of the best employees the company has ever had. Brian was a pleasure to work with and I will deeply miss seeing and communicating with him. Please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family. One last thing, Brian, I'm sure you know now that I really didn't break that window sash glass ;) - Posted by: David Phillips (Service provider - Con-Test) on: Jun 24, 2020
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Our sincere & heartfelt condolences to you both and to the entire Burkett family. Brian Baizley and Janice Day xo - Posted by: Brian Baizley & Janice Day (Friend) on: Jun 22, 2020
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I first met Brian when his oldest brother and I started dating. He could always make me smile even when he borrowed my ten speed and crumpled it riding on the monkey trails at Assiniboine Park. Or when he borrowed my Superman, Batman and Flash comics. When I asked for them back...he had sold them. When Ryan and Darren were small they couldn't pronounce Uncle Buck so Brian's new nickname became Uncle Gup. That name stuck and we called him that for years. I miss you Gup. - Posted by: Kathie Dengate (Sister-in-law) on: Jun 21, 2020
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Dear Sherry, Chrissy and Family, Mrs. Burkett and Family, I was sorry to hear and read on line of Brian's passing, My Deepest Sympathy! May his cherished memories always remain with you all. I still fondly recall when Brian was in my Class at I.B. as he was always attentive, industrious and a delight to teach. As the years went by when I was walking on Clifton to I.B., Brian would be on his way to work. We always waved to each other and sometimes had a little chat. After I retired, I volunteered at CancerCare at Health Science. When I was sent to Cadlam Lab, Brian and I always had a little visit. His fondest memories will remain with us all. Miss Samcoe- 2009 I relocated to Saskatoon to care for my elderly parents, who now have passed on. Fondest Regards - Posted by: Miss E. Samcoe (I was Brian's Gr. 4 teacher at Isaac Brock.) on: Jun 21, 2020
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We offer our deepest condolences to Brian's wife and his family and his Mom, Lorraine. We enjoyed his company on family occasions. We always remember his smiling face. - Posted by: George and Rose Wood (Friends through his Mom Lorraine) on: Jun 21, 2020
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My most sincere condolences, Sherry, Chrissy, Mitch, their family and the Burkett family. Brian will be truly missed and I can and do recall many great memories and stories shared with Brian at the old Victoria Curling Club on William. Farewell my friend, will share a bubbly or two in remembrance. - Posted by: Mickey Steen (Friend) on: Jun 21, 2020
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Sorry to hear of the loss of Brian, deepest condolences to you and all the family...thoughts and prayers with you all. - Posted by: Sheila and Kirby Neal (FRIENDS) on: Jun 21, 2020
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Heartfelt thoughts to Brian's family and friends. His great grin and friendly, warm smile greeted us each week at the Vic. He was so proud of Chrissy and shared his love of the ice with her. May you treasure your many wonderful memories of such a great guy. - Posted by: The Checkleys (Victoria Club Curlers) on: Jun 21, 2020
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Our sincere condolences Chrissy, Mitch, Keila and Coda, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. If you need anything at all please call, anytime. Love you guys, take care Chrissy, glad you all have each other. - Posted by: Shannon and Lincoln Smith (Mitch's Aunty & Uncle) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Brian was a stalwart guy. A fixture at the lake, great with his hands and much loved by friends and family. Always had a cold beer if you ran out. Like Adam you were a legend at the lake and will be sorely missed. I raise a beer in your name and your memory. Many fond memories of long weekends spent at the lake. All your organization of crib weekends, and of course the bocce tournaments will not be forgotten and hard to replace. Will miss you. - Posted by: David Beaton (Lake Buddy) on: Jun 20, 2020
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To Sherry, Chrissy & Mitch and all the Burkett Clan. Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Brian was a wonderful person and will be missed. - Posted by: Bill & Ellen (Friend) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Dear Sherry, we are sending our deepest condolences to you, and Brian’s family. May your fondest memories help ease the pain of your broken heart(s) and give you strength to carry on. Hugs to you all. Ingrid & John Silvari - Posted by: Ingrid Silvari (Friend) on: Jun 20, 2020
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So sorry for your loss Sherry and all the rest of the family. I know how happy and wonderful your time was with Brian and your little family you shared. I know Grand Marias meant so much. I loved making some treats for Brian and you. Remember all the wonderful memories when you are feeling down. I know all these years together was so wonderful for you. Lots of LOVE...Monica - Posted by: Monica Colavito (Friend) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Always will love you brother, whether we were at odds or not, will miss you forever, until we have a beer together again. - Posted by: Todd (Brother) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Our thoughts are with you. Enjoyed curling against him for many years at the Vic and working with the Junior Program. Golf tournaments were also fun. Always friendly and competitive. - Posted by: Blaine & Patsy Malo (Curler) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Brian was one of four Burkett boys who brought much joy to our west-end Winnipeg neighbourhood when we were growing up 50 years ago. These were simpler times and "Bucky" was always down for a game of ball hockey, a snowball fight or a go-cart race. (he was one of the drivers). Later, he continued to live in the neighborhood and look after his mom. Brian's passing is a huge blow to his friends and family. Too young, too soon and so hard to accept after the early passing of his father and brother. This family has endured far too much Tragedy. Our hearts and prayers will be with them, always. - Posted by: Jim Macdonald (family friend) on: Jun 20, 2020
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So sorry to hear about Brian. I have fond memories and all the good times we had back in the old neighborhood on Percy. My deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: bob stremich (friend) on: Jun 20, 2020