Brian Adam Burnett
It is with great sadness that the family of Brian Burnett, 72 years, announces his passing on Thursday October 30, 2008. Brian is lovingly remembered by his surviving children, Megan (Barry) and Paul, his sister Lana (Dennis), his brother Clarke (Ruth), and his former wife, Enid.
Brian was born and raised on a farm near Miami, Manitoba, in 1936. In 1955, he graduated from Normal School and taught in Winnipeg before teaching in Zweibrücken, Germany from 1960-62. In 1963, he earned his BA at United College. After taking a Master’s in Public Health in Minnesota, Brian joined the Manitoba Department of Health to serve in a number of roles in management and communication, including Director of Health Education, until his retirement in 1996.
Brian was an effective organizer of meetings and workshops, and later, provincial and national conferences. He helped maintain positive staff relations with his great sense of humour and his supportive and problem-solving approach. Known as a much sought-after strategist, Brian continued to apply his management and people skills after his retirement in a variety of consulting roles with the health care system.
Brian's greatest gift was his warmth and caring as a friend, husband, father, and son. He was known as a resource for those in trouble among his friends and extended family alike. His charm and kindness made him the fortunate husband of Enid Currie in 1964. Together they shared many happy years until the marriage ended in 2006. They had two children, Megan, in 1968, and Paul, two years later. They will deeply miss his unconditional love and will remember him as a father who was proud of their accomplishments, and who encouraged them to follow their passions. Not only was he present in their lives, but he and Enid also "adopted" many of their friends, who often came over for supplemental parenting, reassuring their own children about how lucky they were. Finally, Brian cared selflessly for both his parents in their decline, using his knowledge of the health care system to give them the best possible support in their final years.
In addition to his passion for people and laughter, Brian loved the theater, literature, comedy, and music. He loved social games, golf in summer, and curling in winter. In his garage workshop, Brian spent many weekends working with his hands, building furniture or restoring his vintage Riley coupe, accompanied by high-decibel recordings of Haydn and Bach. He enjoyed the country, and took frequent vacations with his family to the cottage he built with his brother at Pelican Lake at Ninette, Manitoba. He was a loving and attentive son, father, brother, and husband, and he will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Miami United Church with Rev. Allison Halstead officiating. Interment will take place in the family plot, Miami Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
