William BURNETT

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BURNETT: William John Burnett was born in Deloraine, MB on August 4, 1959, 4th child of Bill and Joyce Burnett. John spent much of his life on the family farm by Dand, ten miles north of Deloraine.  John went to Dand School until it closed in 1970, and then attended school in Deloraine. John enjoyed time on the farm, driving the tractor, and the never-ending fixing of equipment. He loved hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. He worked in Brandon in various trades, including small engine repairs, heavy duty mechanics, millwork and cabinetry. He worked in the Medora area and he returned to work with Bill on the family farm. John married Eva Allen, and became “dad” to Jenny-Lynn, then just a toddler. John and Eve had two children, Twyla in 1983 and William Cody in 1985. When his father passed away in 1987, they continued to operate the family farm with the kind and generous support of the Dand friends and neighbours. After selling the farm, John worked at various jobs in Brandon, often working part time due to various debilitating health issues. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, and could often be seen riding one of his “rebuilt” bicycles around Brandon. In August, 2012, he contracted a severe neurological form of West Nile Virus, which left him paralyzed and dependant on a breathing machine. Brandon Regional Health Center became his home for the past 2 ? years. His life was touched by many doctors, nurses, and support staff while a patient there. John never regained his mobility, but his tenacity and courage never wavered.  Through it all, he maintained his sense of humour, always ready to tease, always laughing and always ready to share a joke. He is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Joyce, his brother, Jim, nephew Eric, and step-mother, Vivian. John is survived by his children daughters Jenny Chambers (Brad) Chandra And Jordan  ,Twyla of Sylvan Lake, AB, and  son Cody grandchildren Vivian Joyce and William Reid of Boissevain, MB; his sisters, Debbie Innes (Stu) and BonnieVansteelandt (Jim) of Winnipeg, Deanna Barnes of Sylvan Lake, AB, and Barb(Kelly)Doherty of Brandon, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A service was held at the Mountview Centre in Deloraine on February 24th, and John was laid to rest in the Deloraine, Cemetery alongside his mom and brother Jim. Everything in Life must change, but life does not cease, knowing that it continues can bring us hope and peace.If you can believe that life goes on, even when you do not see it…Then you can find comfort in the knowledge that the life you loved has not ended…Only changed into something more beautiful and lasting.Donations in the memory of John may be made to: Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation   www.brhcfoundation.caA3 Chronic Care, 159 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3. Smith Funeral Home (204) 747-2088.   www.wheatlandfs.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 21, 2015