Obituary of Cecil Albert Burns

February 22, 1921 - April 19, 2021

Peacefully passed away at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre with his devoted daughter Laura by his side. Cecil Albert was born in Ogema, Saskatchewan. Predeceased by his loving wife Sheila Burns of 64 years on January 24, 2017. Also predeceased by his parents James Scotland Burns and Anna Maie Burns; brothers Don Burns, Bill Burns, Scott Burns. Survived by his daughter Laura who was his soul caregiver for years until he resided at the Veterans Centre last March. He is also survived by his granddaughters Kim (Tony), great grandkids Gage, Maisleigh Sheila, other granddaughter Kayley (Adam), great grandkids Grayson, Karson Cecil. Survived by another daughter Frances, grandkids Jasmine and Sam and Cecil’s son Scott.

Cecil’s nickname was Pat and went by both names over the years. Cecil was very involved in his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives. He will deeply be missed by all of them. Cecil and Sheila had a special bond with Gage their very first great grandson with whom they spent the most years.

Cecil served in WWII and Royal Canadian Air Force and was honoured by many rewards (DFC) and medals, sharing many stories over the years. Cecil was a very skilled, certified geologist and surveyor. He owned several mining businesses and remained the CEO actively involved until entering the Veterans Centre in March 2020. Pat loved his birds, and he fed them ritually everyday at 4:00 p.m. Cecil had a real passion for his horses. Pat and Sheila owned and raced standardbred horses for many years and maintained a well-respected horse farm. Pat’s daughter Laura maintains the farm to this day including four of their mares to live their lives out happily. Pat was heavily involved in the Leaside community where he and his beloved wife Sheila lived for over 60 years. Pat volunteered at a number of organizations with a great appreciation from them. Pat and Sheila were also actively involved in Northlea United church and were devoted members. His special joy in life was sharing 64 years of marriage with Sheila. Together they worked very hard to provide a stable and loving home for their children and families. They travelled extensively around the world, enjoyed their home and farm with all their horses. They especially loved spending time with daughter Laura, her children and great grandchildren. They also enjoyed visiting with their many friends whom they held dear for years and years and who will miss them both dearly.

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, caregivers over the years and at the Veterans wing who provided such excellent care to Pat. Special thanks to Cathy, Pat’s head nurse that showed sincere compassion for Pat and Laura.

Laura would like to thank Kim, Tony, Kayley, Adam, many friends, cousins and Carolyn Watson and Angela and Grace for the support showed over the years and many neighbours on Tanager.

Pat was cremated and joined with Sheila. Due to Covid restrictions only an immediate family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Northlea United Church (Toronto) or Sunnybrook Veterans Wing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

Father: someone who will love you unconditionally, hero, protector, friend, provider. One who puts his children’s needs before his own.

“If you love me, don’t you be afraid

To look in my eyes and open up the gate

Then watch me ride beneath a newborn sun

Just like them horses

Oh, just like the horses”

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