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RODNEY BURNS Obituary pic

RODNEY BURNS

Born: Aug 28, 1944

Date of Passing: Feb 01, 2023

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RODNEY BURNS
1944 - 2023


Peacefully on February 1, 2023 with his family by his side Rodney Burns passed away at the age of 78.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Donna (nee Bossuyt), children Sheri (Bill), Marci and Daniel; his grandchildren, Kendall, Logan, Ella, Everette, Evelyn and Elliott. He is survived by his brothers Glen and Lyle (Susan); as well as his in-laws, whom he had a close relationship with, Joyce, Lorne (Polly), (Isabelle), John (Beverley) and Vic (Vivian).
Rodney was born on August 28, 1944, he the eldest of three boys to Allan and Lillian Burns and was raised on the family farm in Ferndale, Manitoba. He had a wonderful life growing up with his two brothers and many friends. Rodney met Donna in 1963 at a dance in the old Oak Bluff school and they have been inseparable ever since. They fell in love and were married in 1967. They shared a love for music and dancing, spending time with their children at the lake, having a house filled with guests and looking after their farm and yard. Rodney and Donna took pride in their homestead and spent countless hours together maintaining it and raising their children. Rodney was the third generation to farm the Burns Family Farm which was established in 1899. Rodney farmed along with his dad, there was never a bad word between them. One of Rodney and Donna's greatest achievements was being presented with the Century Farm award in 2000.
If you knew Rodney, you know that where he went Donna went. They were soul mates that never left each other's sides. They did everything together. Even when Rodney had reduced mobility, he would ride with Donna in the car to run errands to keep her company, he spent many hours waiting in the parking lot. Rodney was a great example to his children and grandchildren. He taught them to have a strong work ethic and always had little words of wisdom for the grandchildren.
Rodney was involved in the RM of MacDonald for 27 years. He was first elected as a councilor where he served his ward for eight years. He was then elected as the Reeve of the municipality in 1995 where he held office until his retirement in 2014. During his time in office he was instrumental in the success of many projects within the municipality. The water treatment plant and natural gas distribution through the region are just two examples of his success. Rodney was recognized in 2013 for his 25 years of municipal service and was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal.
Rodney has struggled with health and mobility issues for over a decade. Through all the struggles he never gave up, no matter how hard it was, how much pain he was in, he never complained. His strong faith helped him meet each day with a positive attitude and was grateful for the time that he had with Donna, family, and friends. Rodney had many friends from over the years that remained in regular contact. He appreciated the many calls and visits.
There will be a Celebration of Life planned at a future date.
We would like to thank the staff atSt. Boniface Hospital for their compassionate care during this difficult time.


Adam's Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 204-248-2201.


To view the service details and leave condolences, please visit www.afh.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 04, 2023

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • Dear Marci, Kendall, Ella, and your extended family. “Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, Still loved, still missed, and very dear.” Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Hold tight to memories for comfort. Lean on your friends and family for strength. Always remember how much you are loved. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort. - Posted by: Nancy Lyons & Kim McCann (Friend) on: Feb 18, 2023

  • Our thoughts are with you with the loss of Rodney. Donna and Rodney were always so friendly and welcoming to everyone in the neighbour hood. Rodney was a great council rep who was willing to help anyone in the area. He will be missed. The Goldsborough Family - Posted by: Janice Goldsborough (Former neighbour) on: Feb 10, 2023

  • Dear Donna, Sheri (Bill), Marci, Daniel & families, Our hearts join yours in sorrow with the passing of Rod. Rod and I were cousins and friends for 78 years. In fact, he was at my baby shower. We grew up together, curled together and shared many adventures too numerous to mention. We were good buddies through thick and thin. In our memories, Rod will always be larger than life! We miss him. Brian and Eileen Hampson - Posted by: Brian and Eileen Hampson (Cousin/friend) on: Feb 05, 2023

  • Sincere condolences to Donna and all the family. Rodney was a dear friend and will be missed by all who knew him. He had a wonderful sense of humour. - Posted by: Ed and Shirley Zacharias (Friends) on: Feb 05, 2023

  • Marci: Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. - Posted by: Will and Mavis Tishinski (friend) on: Feb 05, 2023

  • Dear Auntie Donna, Sheri, Marci, Daniel & Families, Our deepest condolences on the passing of such a special man. We will always remember Uncle Rodney for his great wisdom, advice, kindness, his dedication to his community, his laugh and the love he had for all of his family. Uncle Rodney and Auntie Donna were such a special couple and were so dedicated to each other, helping one another with everything from farming, looking after their beautiful yards to just being with family and friends. Uncle Rodney and Auntie Donna raised three very special children who take after their parents in so many ways. Uncle Rodney was a real fighter, he had it rough with health problems the last several years, but he never complained, had such a positive outlook and always had a smile. We will miss you terribly, Uncle Rodney, Love and our sympathy, Brian, Margaret, Benjamin & Adam Dusik - Posted by: Brian, Margaret, Benjamin & Adam Dusik (Nephew/cousin) on: Feb 04, 2023

  • Our deepest sympathy to Donna and family. Rodney will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Dwight and Retha Cochrane (Friend) on: Feb 04, 2023

  • My deepest condolences to both the Burns and Bossuyt family on the passing of Rodney. Thoughts and prayers to you all. Gary Dyson and family. - Posted by: Gary Dyson (Family Friend ) on: Feb 04, 2023

  • My sincere condolences to Donna and her family for the loss of Rodney. I know how he will be missed. He leaves a wonderful legacy of love and service to his family and his community. - Posted by: Bill Fisher (Friend) on: Feb 04, 2023

  • We are saddened to hear of Rodney's passing. We offer our deepest sympathies to you Donna and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! May he Rest in Peace! - Posted by: Gilles and Lucille Lavallee (Friend) on: Feb 04, 2023

  • Our deepest condolences to Donna and family. Rodney was a kind and gentle man, we were lucky to have him in the RM. We will remember all the good he has done, time he gave to the communities and his hearty laugh. - Posted by: Jackie Shale (Friend) on: Feb 04, 2023

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