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DR. CHARLES MACKAY BURNS  Obituary pic DR. CHARLES MACKAY BURNS  Obituary pic

DR. CHARLES MACKAY BURNS

Date of Passing: Dec 09, 2013

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DR. CHARLES MACKAY BURNS Dr. Charles MacKay Burns passed away on December 9, 2013 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He leaves his four loving sons, Charles, Andrew, Roger and Philip, daughters-in-law Jo-anne, Vicki, Heather and Kanning; 11 grandchildren, his brother James (Jim) W. Burns and many nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Winnifred (née Rossini), mother Gladys Burns (née MacKay) and father Dr. Charles W. Burns. Born in Winnipeg in 1926, Dad grew up with his brother Jim in a strict but loving family. Hockey, horseback riding, going to the farm and exploring the lake was part of their youth. Too young to serve when the war started, Dad concentrated on following his father into medicine. As a doctor he lived a full professional life as a distinguished surgeon, professor, author of scientific papers and innovator. A graduate of the University of Manitoba Medical School in 1950, he went on to undertake postgraduate work in Toronto and in Bristol, England. Dad brought his expertise and his calm and compassionate nature with him when he returned to Winnipeg in 1958. He joined the faculty of the University of Manitoba and set up practice at the Health Sciences Centre, the Grace Hospital and the Deer Lodge Hospital. There he touched the lives of thousands of patients whose gifts and tokens were among the most important rewards of his work. Dad was an incessantly curious physician. In 1981 he visited the Maryland Institute of Trauma in Baltimore, which was just then pioneering the idea that patients suffering from traumatic injury should be transported as rapidly as possible to specialized hospitals. Dad brought these ideas home with him and became one of the Founding fathers of Canada's trauma system. He was the first president of the Trauma Association of Canada. Also he visited Japan and China and was profoundly impressed by China's advanced treatment of burns. Convinced that further sharing of information between the countries would be mutually beneficial, he set up the Chinese Professorial Sabbatical Program at the University of Manitoba that allowed eminent Chinese physicians to come to Manitoba for a year to study, teach and exchange knowledge. Dad was a devoted family man who with our Mom created a great team that was always one step ahead of their four rambunctious boys. Dad met his future bride while at The University of Manitoba, where he was attracted to the beautiful University of Manitoba tennis star and commerce student, Winnifred-Anne Rossini. Their first meeting was the start of an instant loving partnership that lasted 57 years. Dad always took time out of his busy schedule to share in the family's triumphs and disappointments. He was a good athlete and he passed on his love of football, hunting, hockey and sailing to his family. Next to the lake, the annual ski trip to Banff was the highlight of our year. His greatest love was his cottage at Clearwater Bay. Dad cleared the trees with his axe and built much of the interior himself. Both Mom and he enjoyed the spectacular views each and every summer. Anyone who knows Dad knew he loved to sail and to compete. Because of our parents love of sailing they spent many enviable winter vacations sailing with friends and family in the Caribbean. The family would like to thank all of the staff at Misericordia Place for their kindness, professional care and attention to our dad over the years. Their dedication and commitment is truly inspirational. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 16, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., at St. Andrew's River Heights United Church, 255 Oak Street (at Kingsway). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Misericordia Health Centre Foundation. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C OX4 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Dec 14, 2013

DR. CHARLES MACKAY BURNS Dr. Charles MacKay Burns passed away on December 9, 2013 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He leaves his four loving sons, Charles, Andrew, Roger and Philip, daughters-in-law Jo-anne, Vicki, Heather and Kanning; 11 grandchildren, his brother James (Jim) W. Burns and many nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Winnifred (née Rossini), mother Gladys Burns (née MacKay) and father Dr. Charles W. Burns. Born in Winnipeg in 1926, Dad grew up with his brother Jim in a strict but loving family. Hockey, horseback riding, going to the farm and exploring the lake was part of their youth. Too young to serve when the war started, Dad concentrated on following his father into medicine. As a doctor he lived a full professional life as a distinguished surgeon, professor, author of scientific papers and innovator. A graduate of the University of Manitoba Medical School in 1950, he went on to undertake postgraduate work in Toronto and in Bristol, England. Dad brought his expertise and his calm and compassionate nature with him when he returned to Winnipeg in 1958. He joined the faculty of the University of Manitoba and set up practice at the Health Sciences Centre, the Grace Hospital and the Deer Lodge Hospital. There he touched the lives of thousands of patients whose gifts and tokens were among the most important rewards of his work. Dad was an incessantly curious physician. In 1981 he visited the Maryland Institute of Trauma in Baltimore, which was just then pioneering the idea that patients suffering from traumatic injury should be transported as rapidly as possible to specialized hospitals. Dad brought these ideas home with him and became one of the Founding fathers of Canada's trauma system. He was the first president of the Trauma Association of Canada. Also he visited Japan and China and was profoundly impressed by China's advanced treatment of burns. Convinced that further sharing of information between the countries would be mutually beneficial, he set up the Chinese Professorial Sabbatical Program at the University of Manitoba that allowed eminent Chinese physicians to come to Manitoba for a year to study, teach and exchange knowledge. Dad was a devoted family man who with our Mom created a great team that was always one step ahead of their four rambunctious boys. Dad met his future bride while at The University of Manitoba, where he was attracted to the beautiful University of Manitoba tennis star and commerce student, Winnifred-Anne Rossini. Their first meeting was the start of an instant loving partnership that lasted 57 years. Dad always took time out of his busy schedule to share in the family's triumphs and disappointments. He was a good athlete and he passed on his love of football, hunting, hockey and sailing to his family. Next to the lake, the annual ski trip to Banff was the highlight of our year. His greatest love was his cottage at Clearwater Bay. Dad cleared the trees with his axe and built much of the interior himself. Both Mom and he enjoyed the spectacular views each and every summer. Anyone who knows Dad knew he loved to sail and to compete. Because of our parents love of sailing they spent many enviable winter vacations sailing with friends and family in the Caribbean. The family would like to thank all of the staff at Misericordia Place for their kindness, professional care and attention to our dad over the years. Their dedication and commitment is truly inspirational. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 16, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., at St. Andrew's River Heights United Church, 255 Oak Street (at Kingsway). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Misericordia Health Centre Foundation. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C OX4 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Dec 13, 2013

DR. CHARLES MACKAY BURNS Dr. Charles MacKay Burns passed away on December 9, 2013 in Winnipeg. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 16, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., St. Andrew's River Heights Church, 255 Oak Street (at Kingsway). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Misericordia Health Centre Foundation. Longer obituary will follow. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C OX4 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Dec 12, 2013
Publish Date: Dec 13, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2013

Condolences & Memories (17 entries)

  • We did our Surgical Residency together at the Toronto General Hospital and he once suggested that we should practice as partners in Winnipeg after our Fellowship. Charlie and Winn were old friends and we enjoyed their company in the few times we shared over the years. They both lead very productive lives altho he needed better hearing aids. - Posted by: Frederick Larkin Moffat MD FRCS{C} (Janes Club) on: Feb 06, 2014

  • On January 7th, 1978, I was a detective in the Winnipeg Police Vice Division. While on duty I was involved in a serious situation with two armed assailants. I was stabbed by one and hit over the head with a metal bar by the other. During the assault, I shot both men, one of whom died. Not only was I seriously injured but suffered for years with PTSD. Doctor Burns was the attending doctor who most likely saved my life. Not only did he have to perform surgery and be away from his family at 2 o`clock in the morning, but had to give expert evidence at a long trial later. I give my deepest condolence to the family and say they should be proud of all his life's achievements and dedication to all those people he helped including myself. - Posted by: William Bell (Former patient) on: Dec 22, 2013

  • I send my condolences to Dr. Burn's family for their loss. I was a patient of his in the seventies and he performed an ileostomy on me in 1977. I have never forgotten his expertise, his gentleness, or his kindness. He gave me back a normal active life after years of sickness. - Posted by: Mike Leverick (patient) on: Dec 21, 2013

  • I just wanted to tell you what an effect your parents had on me. I worked for 2 summers at Clearwater Bay taking care of you 4 boys. I was one of the family. I fell in love with sailing, the lake and steak on the barbecue. Charles was commodore of the Yacht Club and Winnie was a wonderful hostess. Every time I pass Beau Jess road I think of them. I always will. - Posted by: Joan Chaput (Mcmahon) (mother's helper) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • My husband, Ed Derksen, saw that Dr. Burns had passed away. Dr. Burns was the physician who operated on my husband for a very serious MVA. 0n February 19th, 1997. When I, Linda (wife,) arrived at the Health Science Centre in Winnipeg, Dr. Burns greeted me and told me he could not believe my husband was alive. Dr. Burns proceeded with a very difficult surgery on my husband's diaphragm, (3 hours) and ended up with a half diaphragm. He is alive and and well today, thanks to Dr. Burns. He was a very kind gentleman, caring and thoughtful. I have often thought of this fine Doctor... God Bless the family and may Dr. Burns rest in Peace. Kindest regards, Linda Derksen. - Posted by: Linda Derksen (Doctor to patient) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • I never met your father but my mother Frances Coutts cared for you four boys on numerous occasions in Winnipeg. She always came home with glowing reports on both your parents and she loved you boys dearly. Maybe the oldest son remembers my mother: you called her Mrs. Coutts....... She died in 1997 at age 90. Just wanted to connect with you so you know there are many folks far and wide sorry to know that your parents are no longer in your lives. Joan Kent (nee Coutts) Toronto - Posted by: Joan Kent (nee Coutts) (Daughter of Frances Coutts of Winnipeg) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • My condolences to the Burns clan for this loss. Dr. and Mrs. Burns alway welcomed me to their home, sharing their love and knowledge of golf (I always think of Dr. B when I step up to the tee block as he was the first person to offer the advice of "keep your head down, and LOOK at the ball "), sailing (articulating the importance of a shiny bottom to win a race.. and not yelling too much at a complete neophyte on board) and of cottaging at the lake. Most of all, I remember how much he laughed and enjoyed his time with family and friends. I hope I can emulate this with my kids and their friends. Happy memories. I would have liked to have been at the service on Monday, but am in Toronto with my kids (and crazy dog, although not as crazed as any of Charlie Burns' springer spaniels!) visiting with my parents and brother, who I am sure send their love at this time. - Posted by: Clare Sellers Taylor (Family friend) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • I did part of my student, intern and residency under Dr. Burns. I recall several instances in which he literally bailed us out of deep trouble, particularly with critically ill trauma patients. He had a remarkable ability for knowing exactly what to do and calmly rescue his sometimes wayward residents. Fabulous teacher with incredible ethics and technical ability as well as terrific background knowledge. He always helped with the complex difficult cases without batting an eye. I always had utmost respect for him and he always showed respect for his students. I will never ever forget what he taught me and although many years ago I have incredible memories. Surgery has lost a great mentor and instructor. Deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Arnold Zeal, MD (Former Student) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • Our love, thoughts and prayers to the whole Burns family. Love Alick, Anne, Fiona and Gillian Watson - Posted by: Alick and Anne Watson (Friends) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • He was a great teacher and mentor. He had confidence and strength, remaining calm and logical in even the most stressful of clinical situations. A great surgeon and pioneer in the care of trauma patients. - Posted by: Dr Peter MacDonald (Former resident) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • With our sincere condolences to your family on the loss of your father. He and my mother sat at the same table at Misericordia Place. May he rest in peace. Carol and Dan Kennedy - Posted by: Carol and Dan Kennedy () on: Dec 14, 2013

  • It has been many years since I last saw Charlie and Winnifred but what a smashing pair... I remember them well from university days and have heard some news of them thru the years from Winnipeg friends.... am sorry for all of you and sad for us.. most sincerely - Posted by: joyce lamont hughes (friend) on: Dec 13, 2013

  • So sorry to hear of your father's passing. I'm sure you have many excellent memories to comfort you. - Posted by: Ron and Dorothy Keizer () on: Dec 13, 2013

  • Our sincere condolences to your family. - Posted by: Pat Hardy & Tim Schouten (Business associate) on: Dec 13, 2013

  • We are saddened to hear of the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Peter, Beatrice, Mark, Blair, Laura, Moira and Eileen - Posted by: The Sheridan Family () on: Dec 13, 2013

  • Dr. Burns brought so many gifts to our lives. We will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. - Posted by: Jon Guy () on: Dec 12, 2013

  • Sincere condolences on the loss of your father. Thinking of you. Ron, Shirley, John and Lynn Williams. - Posted by: The Williams Family () on: Dec 12, 2013

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