Erwin Burnett

Erwin Thomas Burnett
April 6, 1931 to December 22, 2014

Burnett, Erwin "Barney" Thomas, of Ottawa, ON, and formerly of Bedford NS.

Erwin passed away peacefully on December 22 in Extendicare Medex, Ottawa, at the age of 83. Born on April 6, 1931, in Noranda, Quebec, Erwin was the only child of the late Joseph and Anna (nee Monteith) Burnett.

Erwin is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret "Peggy" (nee Parker) Burnett; daughter, Deborah Burnett of Ottawa ON; son, Gregory (Catherine) Burnett of Barrie, ON; daughter, Pamela (Shane) McNamara of Belnan, NS; and six grandchildren: Zac & Nick Blanchet of Ottawa, Heather & Victoria Burnett of Barrie, and Evan & Ryan McNamara of Belnan.

Erwin had a hand at everything. A born salesman, he sold everything from typewriters, cars, mobile homes to advertising time on the radio and even fund raising products for school and community associations. He has managed a distribution plant for Canada Dry, a grocery store and two service stations. He has delivered milk and bread, to driven a taxi and a Greyhound bus. He was a welder and pipe fitter by trade at the oil rigs in Halifax. At 47 Erwin lost his vision, he then completed a computer programing course at the University of Manitoba and embarked in his final career in the IT department at Nova Scotia Power Corp. During his retirement, Erwin spent many hours volunteering at the library in Lower Sackville, NS. He has always been a strong supporter of the CNIB and Canadian Council of the Blind, even serving a term as president of the CCB and supporting accessibility initiatives.

Special thanks to all the staff at the Medex Extendicare for their kindness and compassionate care. Cremation has taken place with no visitation or service by request. Internment will take place at a later date in Bedford, NS. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Tubman Funeral Homes, Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Erwin's memory to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, or the Activity Program at Extendicare Medex.