Ian Robert Burgess

Burgess, Dr. Ian Robert passed away suddenly at Rockyview General Hospital on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the age of 94 years. Ian was born in Neepawa, MB on April 1, 1931 to Fred and Norine (née Macdonald) Burgess.

Ian is survived by and dearly missed by his daughter Norine Burgess and his son David Burgess (Cheryl), as well as grandchildren Sophie, Libby and Niki Schade, and Katie and Scott Burgess, as well as Ian’s extended family and many friends and colleagues.

He was predeceased by his wife Gwen, his brothers Joe (Holly) and Don (Chris), and his parents.

He grew up in Neepawa, challenged and encouraged by many bright and talented friends and family. After trying a few different career paths, he decided on medicine, earning his MD from the University of Manitoba and going on to specialize in genetics and paediatrics. Paediatrics was the perfect fit for our independent-thinking, smart, caring father, with his impish sense of humour and grin. He always put the child first. He was instrumental in getting the first Children’s Hospital built in Calgary for which he turned the first spade of dirt, as well as getting the neonatal unit built at the Rockyview. He had medical privileges at every hospital with a paediatric unit, often becoming the head of paediatrics or chief of staff. He also ran his own private practice where, according to our Mom, he saw more than 150,000 kids. Even after retiring from active practice, he continued to give back wherever he could, travelling to Africa to help set up hospitals with Lifeline Malawi, assisting the Alberta Medical Association’s negotiations with the Alberta Government, acting as the medical advisor to Chairman Bud McCaig with the goal to restructure and revitalize the Calgary Regional Health Authority.

St. Laurence Anglican Church was his spiritual home, and where he made many life long friendships. He was a great supporter of the arts, being a long-time supporter of Calgary Opera, Theatre Calgary, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and especially proud of his daughter’s singing talents and opera career. He was also a very active, committed member of Rotary International, holding the office of President of South Chinook Rotary Club in his turn. Dad loved to curl and cross country ski in the winter and hike and golf as a member of Earl Grey Golf Club in the summer.

He was a great, loving “Daddad” to his grandchildren, always quick with a smile, a hug, a Dad joke or an often repeated funny story. They loved learning to play cribbage, make scones and enjoy popcorn and ice cream from him. He always tried to get a smile or a laugh from everyone he met. Many a waiter was told that white bread was actually cardboard; many a waiter got a lecture on how to make a proper cup of tea.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 23 at 4:00 pm at St. Laurence Anglican Church (5940 Lakeview Dr SW) and will be live-streamed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of dad’s many favourite charities: Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, Rotary International, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer Society of Canada.