Obituary of Bruce Burns

BURNS, Bruce Harvey Location: Kitchener-Waterloo Passed away at home on Wednesday July 27th, with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Toronto in 1926, Bruce lived most of his 84 years in Waterloo, Ontario. Married to Gwen Burns (née Daitz, d. 2011) for 24 years. Married to Mary Ellen Burns (née Schario, d. 1986) for 33 years, he was the proud father of five children: Tom (Sally), Dave (Judy), B.J. (Greg McCauley), Jeff (Ausra), and John (Rachel), and his much-loved grandchildren: Ryan, Jayme, Zachary, Mike, Carolyn, Ula, Nicole, Evan & Baylie. Bruce felt blessed to have a second family in his life. He will be missed by Gwen's children Jennifer (Simon Mortimer) and Christopher Pernfuss (Linda) and their children: Charlie, Calista, Ben and Lucas. Bruce is survived by his brother Gord, and sister-in-law Marjorie. Bruce will be fondly remembered by many long-time friends. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Bruce's skills, integrity and character were valued by colleagues at Major Holdings & Developments Limited and were reflected in his success as President and owner of Schendel Stationery Ltd. (later, Basics Office Products). In the community, Bruce was generous with his talents and his time. He was actively involved for many years with the Waterloo Rotary Club, among other organizations. Bruce was a Member of numerous boards including Chairperson of the City of Waterloo Economic Development Committee, the City of Waterloo Committee of Adjustment, the Kitchener Waterloo Catholic High School Board, City of Waterloo Community Services Board, Ontario Housing Advisory Committee, and Board Member for the Urban Development Institute of Ontario. Bruce was awarded the Bicentennial Medal for many years of community involvement in the City of Waterloo. An avid golfer, he was a long time member of Westmount Golf and Country Club. Bruce was a keen bridge player, loved to travel and had an ardent interest in world affairs. His friends and family cherished his sincerity, warmth and sense of humour. Our sincere thanks for the never-ending support from many special friends and family of both Bruce and Gwen throughout this difficult time. Your kindness and love will always be remembered. A special thanks to Dr. Ward, and the nurses of the Palliative Care Team, Dr. Bedrosian, Dr. Califaretti, Dr. Shahi, and the personal support workers from Retire at Home, especially Shannon, Jana, Tonka, Natalie, and Kelly who were all so important in Bruce's care. In keeping with Bruce's wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. South, Waterloo, Ontario on Monday, August 1st from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Bruce's life on Tuesday, August 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb St. West, Waterloo. A reception will follow at Westmount Golf & Country Club, 50 Inverness Drive, Kitchener. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Grand River Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated and can be arranged at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.