Lindsay Rhys Burnett
On Dec 29, 2010 after a long and valiant struggle with cancer, Lindsay Rhys Burnett passed away with his family by his side. Saddened by his passing are parents Clarke and Ruth, sister Tracy and husband Bill, brother Royce and wife Glenda, nieces Amy (Roy), Lisa, nephews Harley (Melissa), Ian, Graham, and great niece and nephews Jade, Quinn, Aiden, Hunter and Hudson.
Lindsay was born at Morden, MB on Oct 18, 1960 and grew up on the family farm near Rosebank. He was an inquisitive child, always keeping busy with different scientific pursuits such as studying microscopic animals from the pond under the bridge, or building some toy he had found in an old Popular Mechanics magazine, or even concocting some evil smelling compound from his chemistry set. He had even at that age a very technical mind, with a developing interest in music, which led to learning electronics and guitars, pursuits that he continued to the end of his life. To quote him directly, “I am a man of science.”
After graduating from Miami Collegiate he received a certificate in Industrial Electronics from RRCC and worked in that field for a number of years, eventually moving to Edmonton, AB. While living there, his apartment was ‘home base’ for many young people from Miami. While in Edmonton, the music bug struck home and he turned his mind to the music, being a founding member and guitar player in two successful rock bands. He saw much of the province and made some good friends while on tour.
Returning to Manitoba, Lindsay worked for Sony repairing electronic devices, and in turn for Bison Electronics. He started his own business in Carman repairing home electronics as well, and forged a close relationship with the local musicians by being “the guru” when it came to amplifiers. He designed and built many of his own music devices, including several guitars, as well as improving the design and sound of many of his friends and customer’s amps. He was widely known and respected by the local music community for his abilities in this regard and will be sorely missed by this circle. Lindsay also expressed his love for music by teaching many aspiring guitarists. Rock on, kids.
Lindsay, while not in any way an athlete, amazed most of his friends with his incredible slice on the golf course. He was an avid golfer and worked a number of summers with the crew at the Miami Golf and Country Club. He was also caretaker for the Miami Curling Club, another activity that appealed to his scientific bent.
Lindsay was also a car nut from way back, having always had an interest in Formula One racing and sports cars. As a kid he and his brother spent countless hours racing slot cars and driving madly in a 1929 Chev that had been cut down into a roadster. He was the proud owner of a 1969 Cuda that had been smashed up at both ends when he brought it home.. but with his talents he brought the Cuda back to glory. In latter years he beautifully restored his 1973 MGB, another Phoenix risen from the ashes.
Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate Universe… all shows that he loved and looked forward to seeing on the Space Channel. In his last months he had turned his mind to astronomy and purchased a massive telescope. Going to the stars…
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Boundary Trails Health Centre, as well as the CancerCare unit and Palliative Care Unit for their incredible care and compassion shown to Lindsay and the family.
A celebration of Lindsay’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Miami Community Hall. A private family interment will take place at Miami Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boundary Trails Health Centre Palliative Care Box 2000, Winkler, MB, R6W 1H8.
