Thomas Garnet Burns

Tom was born in Montreal, Que. on December 14, 1951. He is predeceased by his parents Frederick William Burns and Thelma Esmee Burns (nee St Hill).

A keen sportsman, Tom enjoyed such activities as skiing, golf, running, baseball and football. However, his most favorite pastime was “playing army” which he turned into a very successful and distinguished avocation.

Beginning in 1973, Tom joined the Navy as an Officer Cadet but released in 1975. In 1979, he joined 748 Communications Troop in Nanaimo, B.C. as a 2nd Lt. In June 1981 he was promoted to Lt,. and in February 1982 he became the Officer Commanding 748 Comm. Tp. In September 1986, Tom joined The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) ultimately rising to become the Commanding Officer in December 1996, a position he held and cherished until 1999. Promoted to Colonel in 2002 Tom took command of 39 Canadian Brigade Group. Tom retired from the Reserve Army in 2007 due to his diagnosis with Multiple Myeloma in 2006. Tom soldiered on through two stem cell transplants, ultimately succumbing to this cancer.

In civilian life, Tom was a banker since 1980 with the Bank of Montreal and Island Savings Credit Union. He successfully managed branches all over Vancouver Island for both banks and had success at transitioning BMO with technology changes. It was with great pride that Tom earned and received his Bachelor of Commerce Degree at Royal Roads University in 2010.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Sylvia (nee Choat) and his three children: Colin (Brandi), Robin (Andrew), Graham (Amanda) and his two adored grandchildren: Tyler and Kayla Burns. He is also survived by his only sibling, Cathy Keller (Doug), and his four nephews also survive him: Ryan, Michael, Russell, and Joseph.

Tom’s smart and witty sense of humour and excellent leadership skills will be greatly missed by all those who were blessed to have met him.

A service at Christchurch Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave, Victoria will be held on Thursday 24 January 2013 at 11 am. Afterwards the family also welcomes guests to attend a reception from 1 pm at the Bay St Armory, 713 Bay St, Victoria.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the “Krall Fund – Leukemia/BMT Unit”, VGH Foundation, 855 West 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9