2017
Obituary Overview
William Walter “Jack” Burgess
Burgess, William Walter “Jack” was born at home, into a large family, on October 19, 1924, in Halifax. Born to The late Mabel Desbrisay and William Burgess, he grew up among ten brothers & sisters. On the day of his birth, an older sister said, “That’s my Jackie” – and that remained his nickname throughout his life. Predeceased by brothers, Gordon, Ottawa, Lewis, Dartmouth, Raymond, Barrie, Ont.; sisters, Bonnie Shreeves, Lower Sackville, Grace Burton, Hope, BC, Ida Livingston, Palm Springs, California, Ruth Garnett, Beaverbank, Shirley Burgess, Halifax. Survived by brother, Albert (Eileen) Burgess, Halifax, and youngest sister, Beverly (Robert) Pippy, Lower Sackville. Jack was happily married to, and survived by, his wife, Shirley Goddard for 63 years and had 3 devoted children, Sheryl Ann (Norman) Longard, Hammonds Plains, Gina (Sterling) Grimm, Halifax, Danny (Lori) Burgess, Halifax. 5 grandsons, Grant (Megan), Bradley (Samantha), Jonathan (Jeay), Daniel, David and 2 grand-daughters, Bethany & Rebekah. He was also blessed with 6 great-grandchildren, Elliott, Liam, Elsie, Jeremiah, Joanna, and Arlo Jack. He had a 38-year career working as a civilian at the Department of National Defense. He also served with Canadian Air Forces. He traveled to England during the war on the Lady Nelson, a hospital ship, bringing the wounded back from war. From 1948 – 1952 he worked at the Children’s Hospital in Halifax. As a “Jack-of-all-Trades”, he concluded his career as an Estimator Inspector” for he was competent in painting, electrical, plumbing, carpentry. He kept very active playing hockey for many years in a suburban league, “Sackville Acadiens” and continued recreational skating every Monday and Thursday while in his late 70’s and early 80’s. Also, he was a strong swimmer and diver, winning competitions in diving at St Mary’s Boathouse. His interests included construction, landscaping, and gardening. Born into a large musical family, he played guitar and instilled a love for music in his children, encouraging them to sing and play instruments at every opportunity. A story he loved to tell because it was the biggest thrill of his life: At age 17, on April 18, 1942, he went to Toronto by train, unbeknownst to his mother or family. He was desperate to see the Stanley Cup Final (7th) Game between Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings. (After losing the first 3 games, the Maple Leafs won the next 3. The final game was in Toronto – the first Stanley Cup Final in history to go to 7 games.) He caught a train to the Maple Leaf Gardens, without even a ticket to get inside. As he stood there, an Associate Screen News cameraman asked for his assistance to carry in his gear. That was his providential ticket inside, and not only that, he was up in the reporter’s box with a bird’s eye view of that historical and exciting NHL game. Immediately following that game, he boarded another train to Montreal to see a game played for the Allen Cup! He was a member of Central Baptist Church (now Sheffield Baptist Church) since 1951, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour. He enjoyed church activity skit nights, during which he’d play the piano and added humor to the night’s event. His humor reigned supreme in every circumstance and with all people. He was most-loved for his gentleness, humor and generosity. He truly lived a selfless life of serving others constantly. He had a natural, protective love for children and exceptional rapport with children of all ages, teaching them invaluable lessons in life. His long life was blessed with exceptionally good health until the final few weeks. Deep appreciation is extended to the surgeons, nurses, and staff of the 7.3 neurosurgical unit for their consistent and exceptionally devoted care to a man so deserving of the reciprocated care he gave to others throughout his life. Visitation will be held at Sheffield Baptist Church, 80 Lincoln Cross, Halifax on Friday, December 22nd 6:30-8:30pm. Funeral service will be held 11am Saturday, December 22nd at Sheffield Baptist Church. There will be no reception, but a time to visit following the service, followed by a private family interment. Online condolences may be made by visiting the Halifax chapel at www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William Walter Jack Burgess 2017.source
Death notice for the town of: Halifax, Province: Nova Scotia
death notice William Walter Jack Burgess 2017- mortuary notice William Walter Jack Burgess 2017