OBITUARY
James « Kelly » Kelvin Burnett
June 16, 1926 – December 22, 2018
Age 92, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2018 at the Halifax Infirmary with his wife, Janet, by his side. Born June 16, 1926 in Lachine, Quebec, he was the son of the late James and Agnes (MacDonald) Burnett. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Janet Lee-Burnett; daughters, Janice (Steven) Wright, Porters Lake; Laurie Burnett (Ken Martin), Bedford; sons, Robbie, Woodstock, NB; Raymond (Robyn O’Hara), Halifax; sister, Eleanor Parkinson (David-deceased), Morris, Manitoba; sister-in-law, Sharon Burnett, Dorval, Quebec. Known as “Papa Kelly” to grandchildren, Rebecca Wright, Jillian Wright (Mike Newcombe); great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Adalynn Smith, Jesse and Mallory Newcombe, all of Porters Lake; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first love, wife Helen (Benison); Brother Robert, and granddaughter, Kelti Burnett.
Kelly was an accomplished athlete and artist. He began his hockey career as a teenager with the Montreal Junior Canadians. He then played in the American Hockey League with Syracuse, Springfield and Hershey. He graduated to the NHL with a brief stint with the New York Rangers. Kelly closed out his hockey career with 14 years with the Montreal Royals. He coached the McGill University Redmen and was General Manager for the Halifax Atlantics Junior “A”. He continued playing Hockey as an “Old Timer” for many years.
As well as playing hockey, Kelly’s second passion was golf, where he was employed as Assistant Golf Professional at Summerlea Golf Club in Montreal. He then accepted a Head Professional position at Valleyfield Golf Club in Valleyfield, Quebec. In 1964, Kelly moved with his family to Halifax where he became the Head Professional at Ashburn Golf Club for the next 28 years until retirement. During retirement, he met his second love, Janet. They played golf, traveled and spent many winters in Florida.
In his later years, Kelly took up oil painting with the same passion that he had for sports. He was devoted to his family and celebrated life at every opportunity.
There will be a visitation at the J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, on Thursday, December 27th, 2:00 – 4:00 PM. In keeping with Kelly’s wishes, there will be no service. The family would like to thank the 7.4 Neurology Team of the Halifax Infirmary for the wonderful care. Donations in memory of Kelly may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de James Kelly Kelvin Burnett 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: halifax, Province: Nova Scotia
