Brian Leonard Burnell passed away at age 86 on September 14, 2021 in hospital. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Madge, his sons Mark (Tracey) Calgary and Paul (Cathy) Halifax, his grandchildren: Matthew, Sarah and Rachel and his brother-in-law Frank E. Milne.
Brian was born on July 19, 1935 in London, England to Leonard and Jessie (Pearl) Burnell. Brian had a long career as an actuary, starting at the London office of The Mercantile and General Reinsurance Company. In 1959 he transferred to the Toronto office of Mercantile and General before moving to Halifax in 1962 to become chief actuary for Maritime Life. After Maritime Life, Brian would go on to form his own actuarial consulting firm, Brian L. Burnell Consulting which was later acquired by The Wyatt Company and then Eckler Ltd. Brian also volunteered extensively with the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.
In addition to his family life and career, Brian was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, Royal Order of Scotland and the Rotary Club. Brian previously served as warden at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Halifax, the same church he met his wife Madge two weeks after moving to Halifax in 1962. Brian and Madge were also members of the St. Paul’s choir for many years. More recently, Brian served as treasurer for the board of his condo.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday September 22, 2021 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. The funeral will be held on Thursday September 23, 2021 at 10:00 am at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 1706 Argyle Street, Halifax.
In lieu of flower, donations may be made to Prostate Cancer (https://cancer.ca/en/about-us/prostate-cancer), St. Paul’s Anglican Church (https://www.stpaulshalifax.org/donate/) or a charity of your choice.
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