Donald Hubert Burgess

Donald Hubert Burgess passed away peacefully on April 1, 2020 in Port Coquitlam, BC. Don was a true gentleman: kind, witty, generous, and charismatic.

Don is survived by his loving family including his wife Ruth; daughter Anne, her husband Greg, and their children Alanna and Jeff; grandson Dalton, his son Dalton Jr., and his mother Gerry; and by son John.

Born in Kingsville on August 13, 1927, Don lived in various communities in Ontario throughout his childhood with his parents and four brothers, following his father’s calling as a Baptist Minister.

Don was a gifted educator with the East York Board of Education whose career spanned over 40 years. He had a special way of connecting with his students; throughout the years, we have been lucky enough to hear stories from many of them whose lives were profoundly impacted by Don.

Don married his wife and lifelong partner, Ruth (Dalton) on June 10, 1950. They lived many happy years in the Don Mills area of Toronto. Later in their lives, Don and Ruth moved to Vancouver Island where Don spent most of his time blissfully tending to their five-acre garden.

His love for gardening began back in Toronto where many compared his property there to the famous Edward Gardens. Don had many other pastimes, including his passion for woodworking, which ultimately led to the creation of a hobby business of picture framing. More recently, Don dedicated his time to playing and refurbishing woodwind instruments which he then donated to various schools.

Don was a very special person who always wanted the best for others. We will miss him terribly and carry him in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation in Vancouver, British Columbia.