The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Donald Burnett of Thompson, Manitoba passed away peacefully in Weslaco Texas on Sunday, February 1, 2004, at the age of 80 years. Don is survived by his wife Muriel, children Judy (Dennis Pearce); Raymond (Marcie) Burnett; Gary (Melanie) Burnett and Bonnie (Brent Grandbois) and grandchildren Ian and Eric Van Buskirk, Marnie, Diane and Amber Burnett, Randon and Bryce Burnett, Dawn Burnett, Billy and Daniel Kimokovich, Georgia and Kelly Pearce and Kent Welbourne, and great-grandchild Noah Medd. Don is also survived by brother Mac Burnett, sister Peggy Burnett, sister-in-law Mabel Holmes and many many nieces and nephews he held close to his heart. Born in Neepawa, Manitoba on August 20, 1923 Don spent his childhood and youth on the farm. Upon returning from serving in the Canadian Navy Don married his long time sweetheart Muriel Biles in 1947. They ventured north in 1947 and settled in Snow Lake's "tent town" later building a home in Snow Lake. In 1952 they lived in Winnipeg while Don attended school and then in 1953 returned to the north to Flin Flon where Don worked as an Electrician at HBM&S and as well owned and operated Burnett Electric. In 1967 Don moved to Thompson to work with North West Electric working at mine sites, and on many Hydro Projects, dredging operations and construction sites throughout northern Manitoba. Don was an avid curler and sportsman. His love for the north took him on many fishing and hunting excursions with friends and family. He was at home in the outdoors and spent most of his spare time, sharing these experiences with his children and grandchildren. Many of his grandchildren's friends had an adopted grandpa too. He taught countless people to water-ski. Many tales were told on the "boy" fishing trips, but "what was said in the boat-stayed in the boat". Don was blessed with a long retirement, during which he spent the winters in Weslaco Texas. There he and Muriel made many friendships they cherish. His summers were spent with his family, and all his grandchildren were lucky to have a teacher and mentor for many years. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at White's Funeral Chapel in Neepawa, Manitoba on Saturday, February 7, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers friends who so desire may make a donation in Don's name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. White's Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
