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PETER ALEXANDER BURNETT
Born: Jan 13, 1945
Date of Passing: Mar 17, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryPETER ALEXANDER BURNETT
Peter Alexander Burnett passed away on March 17, 2023. Peter was born on January 13, 1945 to Chrissie and Dave Burnett in Milton, New Zealand. Peter was a larger-than-life character whose positivity was contagious.
Peter was trained as an entomologist at the University of Manitoba where he met his lifelong partner, Alison. Peter worked in grain improvement research at research centres in New Zealand, USA, Mexico, Lacombe (AB), Lethbridge (AB) and finally ending his working career in Winnipeg as Director of the Grain Research Laboratory with the Canadian Grain Commission. In retirement, Peter volunteered as a board member for Friends Housing, which provides housing for people with a chronic mental illness to live independently in the community.
Peter was predeceased by his sister Janice Summers; brother Doug Burnett; and son Ben. He is survived by his wife Alison (née Benningen); daughter Anne; son Sam; daughter-in-law Maureen; granddaughters, Miriam, Penny, and Willa; brother David Burnett in Australia; as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews and cousins in New Zealand.
Peter loved reading, fishing, enjoying art and travelling. Because of his career he was able to travel all around the world to countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America and Oceania. At 67 he saw the Taj Mahal and expressed how wonderful it was to be inspired even at his age.
Peter loved to spend time with people and enjoyed drinks with his mates. He was infamous for his storytelling and if questioned about the details of the story he would say, “never ruin a good story with the truth”.
Peter’s family kindly requests that you visit his tribute page at EthicalDeathCare.com. A photo-biography, as well as memories and stories published by those who knew him are available there.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends Housing. (www.friendshousinginc.ca).
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2023
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Have just read of Peters Passing, Peter was part of our team at Lincoln College during the 1960's, A jovial and respected student. He went to Mexico and we lost trace of him, He returned for a once in a lifetime anniversary with the NZ plant & Weeds society conference. A great reunion with many friends, one which will now never happen again. His Principal leaders have also passed away, but like me there are still others about, who remember with pride and respect to Peter's other life. So sad. - Posted by: Rodger Welsh (Fellow worker) on: Jul 17, 2023
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Our condolences to Peter's family. Peter was a patron of our library in Victoria Beach and it was a delight when summer came and Peter and Allison came back to VB for the summer. He was a great reader and always had a funny story to tell. He will be missed. Maggie - Posted by: VB Library (friend) on: May 12, 2023
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Hello Alison. Margaret and I were sad to read of Peter's passing. I worked with Peter at DSIR NZ at Lincoln and Palmerston North. We have fond memories of visiting you and your family at Lethbridge in 1997 while I was attending the World Police Fire games in Calgary. He was one of great characters of the Plant Breeding and grain Research family. - Posted by: Nigel Withell (Former Colleague) on: Apr 28, 2023
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Alison, So very sorry to read of Peter’s passing. My memories of him are spread over so many years from Lincoln to the Birchwood. Sharon and I just got back from NZ and we were a couple of hundred miles from Milton on March 17. We reminisced about staying with you and Peter and going down to the farm in 1978. We hope you are well and look forward to seeing you at VB - Posted by: Jamie Horne (Friend ) on: Apr 15, 2023
