Obituary of William Ernest Burns
William (Bill) Ernest Burns, age 79, passed away Monday, May 7th 2018 at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital in Smiths Falls. He was born on January 10th, 1939 in Franktown. Bill was the oldest son of Harry and Elsie (Kelford) Burns. Bill came from a family of 11 children. He is survived by sisters Audrey (Dale), Dorothy (late Donald), Alice, Ruth (late Lorne), Lorraine and brothers Allan (late Sandra), Gordon (Norma), and Howard (Shelley) and was predeceased by brothers Raymond (Anne) and David (Linda). Coming from such a large bunch instilled in him great values of not only family but drive, work ethic, and determination. These characteristics allowed him to pursue many different opportunities throughout his life. When Bill was 16, he enlisted into the Military for a short time. He then was a truck driver for many years. Bill owned and operated “Burns Construction”, raced horses, farmed and raised a beautiful family of 3 boys, Philip Ernest (Lianne Brennan), Christopher Harry (Karen Yanosik), and William Daniel (Pam Hughes) with his beloved wife of 60 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Ann (Himmelman). Bill will be remembered as a gentle, funny, intelligent, stubborn, and loving grandpa to Jared (Rachel), Nicholas (Melissa), Alyssa (Justin), Brittany (Matt), Davey (Kara), Hannah, Zoë, and Emily and great grandpa to Payton, Lauren, Parker, Whitley, Jack, Jessie, and Sydney.
Over time, Bill could be found in his shop, tinkering with chainsaws and fixing small engines for family and friends. He was an avid hunter for many years and had many tales or stories to tell to any listening ear.
He will be greatly missed by brother in-laws Vernon (late Iris), Robert (Pat) and Frederick (Shirley) Himmelman as well as sister in-laws Sharron Robson (late Bill) and Oriole Jones (late Bob). Predeceased by sister in-law Debra, Marjorie and Ann Marie and brother in-law Harry Dunnigan. Left behind with wonderful memories are his many nieces and nephews, friends, extended family, customers and past colleges.
Friends are invited to visit with the family at the Lannin Funeral Home, Smiths Falls on Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm & 6:00pm-8:00pm. Bill’s funeral service will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Smiths Falls on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 11:00am. Immediately following the service friends are welcome to join the family for a celebration of life at the Royal Canadian Legion, Smiths Falls. We look forward to hearing your stories and memories of Bill. As expressions of sympathy donations to the Diabetes Association or the St. John’s Anglican Church would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Lannin Funeral Home. Online condolences available at www.lannin.ca.
