JOHN ROBERT BURNS (BOB)

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JOHN ROBERT BURNS (BOB) It is with great sadness that the Burns family announces the passing of our beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather John (Bob) Robert Burns. Bob passed away peacefully on June 12, 2014 at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 85. Bob will be missed by his wife of 59 years, Christine; sister Janice (Ben); children Nicholas (Kendra), Mark (Cindy) and Fiona (Dave); grandchildren Michael (Jenna), Andrew and Robert, as well as nephews and great-grandchildren. Bob lived a fulfilling life with many achievements including two years of service as a Royal Marine Commando. After demobilization, Bob trained and worked at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Hollymoor Hospital in England where he graduated as a R.N. and Psychiatric nurse. In 1960 he, his wife and sons immigrated to Canada to take up the position of Tutor of Nursing at the Selkirk Mental Hospital. Bob was promoted to Head of the School of Nursing and Director of Nursing. In 1965 he was proud to be the initiator in preparing the hospital to become the first mental hospital in Canada to receive accreditation. During this time he also studied at the University of Manitoba and obtained his hospital administrator certification. In 1972 Bob took a position as Interlake Regional Director of Health and Social Development. He travelled the Interlake extensively and valued the many kindnesses extended to him by the people of the area. The last position Bob held before retiring, was Chief Program Consultant. Bob was an active member of the Kiwanis in Selkirk and in 1966 he and other members began the process of forming the Selkirk Kiwanis Pipe Band. The band played for the first time at the Canada Centennial parade in 1967. Bob also suggested and organized the Manitoba Highland Gathering where he, many staff members from the Selkirk Mental Hospital, and parents of the pipe band volunteered their help to run the Highland Gathering each year. One year after retirement, Bob took on the new challenge of becoming Director of Skills Manufacturing. He devoted his time and energy to proving that the facility could run profitably while those who had recovered from mental illness could retrain and work in the community successfully. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice. Funeral service 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook Street. Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium 843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca Parking behind funeral home

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2014