William John Burns

It is with heavy hearts to announce the passing of William John Burns (Burnsie) at the age of 62. Born in Montreal PQ, he was the son of the late William Burn Sr. and Grace (Hillrich) Burns.

Bill is survived by the love of his life Catherine (O’Dell) “Katie”; his sons William Jr. (Kim) Burns of Rothesay, and Chris O’Dell of Saskatchewan; his sisters Doris Bradley of Fairfield, Heather Burns of Maine and Carol Burns-Rouleau of Saint John and brother David Burns of Toronto. Bill was predeceased by brothers Ralph “Sonny” Burns, Robert “Butch” Burns; sisters Joan Bartley and Diane Renaud as well as father-in-law Harold O’Dell who lovingly referred to Bill as “Charming Willy”. Bill is also survived by the lights of his life, his grandchildren whom he loved dearly, William and Olivia; many nieces and nephews and a special mention to a niece and nephews who were more like a sister and brothers, Debra (Jim) Bedford of Fairfield, Mike (Tina) Bradley of Saint John and Bill (Susan) Bradley of Ontario; mother-in-law Harriet O’Dell; sisters-in-law Glenda (Mitchell) Harrison and Suzie (Paul) Comeau and brother-in-law Darrell (Marion) O’Dell.

Bill began his career working at his brother Butch’s gas station on the West side in the 1970’s, and then he partnered with Butch in their business Industrial Cartage and then worked at Wajax Industries for many years as well as Dennison Mine and then opened his own business, the Hydraulic Shop with his son William, until failing health forced him to retire.

In his early years, Bill was always riding around on one of his many Harley Davidsons travelling with his brother Dave, his nephew Mike Bradley and best bud Mike Dow, whom he took an unforgettable trip to California with. Bill attended many bike runs including trips to Toronto, Sturgis and Daytona to name a few. He loved vintage cars and the latest of all his loves was his 1972 Corvette. Bill could be found in his garage which he built for the “car” fixing, replacing parts, shining or just admiring, day and night.

Bill had a playful teasing quality and Norm McLaughlin knows too well with the bantering of “Corvette vs Dodge”. Bill, Norm, Johnny and Jim could be seen travelling down the highway like ducks in a row playing leap frog. Bill’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the “girls” and staff of the Dialysis Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital, his other family.

Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Rd. with visitation on Monday May 14, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday May 15, 2018 at 10 a.m. with a reception to follow in the reception area. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dialysis Unit at the SJRH.

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