Obituary for John Douglas Burns
John Douglas Burns, a beloved husband, dad, brother, grandpa, uncle, and friend passed away after a courageous battle with ALS on Monday, September 25, 2023 at the age of 76, surrounded by his loved ones. His departure leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled, but his memory will forever warm our hearts.
John obtained a Structural Technician Certificate from SAIT in Calgary and worked at the National Department of Defense in Ottawa. When he returned to Calgary he held various positions at Canada Safeway. He was a Casino Dealer for many years as well before he retired in 2011. John lived to travel and enjoyed planning trips to Sedona, Mexico, and St. Ives and the Shuswap in B.C. among other destinations. He loved listening to music and going to concerts, including Stage West with his soulmate, Yvonne. He also enjoyed photography and going for drives. He was an avid sports fan and cheered for the Flames, the Stampeders and the Cannons. John relished telling jokes that made his family groan and he kept his sense of humor until the end. He was an inspiration to us all.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Yvonne, daughters, Candace and Yvette (Jason); as well as his grandchildren, Ashley, Mitchell and Sophie. He is also survived by his sister Barbara (Harold), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Bruce, step-father Gordon, mother Elsie, and brother Ken.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the ALS Society of Alberta for their tremendous support over the last 2.5 years, as well as, to Dr. Jessica Simon and the staff in Unit 93 at the Rockyview Hospital for their compassionate care during John’s final days.
Visitation will take place at Shepherd King Lutheran Church (804 – 75 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. John’s life will be celebrated at Shepherd King Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 11:00 am. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted in John’s memory by the ALS Society of Alberta.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of John with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
John obtained a Structural Technician Certificate from SAIT in Calgary and worked at the National Department of Defense in Ottawa. When he returned to Calgary he held various positions at Canada Safeway. He was a Casino Dealer for many years as well before he retired in 2011. John lived to travel and enjoyed planning trips to Sedona, Mexico, and St. Ives and the Shuswap in B.C. among other destinations. He loved listening to music and going to concerts, including Stage West with his soulmate, Yvonne. He also enjoyed photography and going for drives. He was an avid sports fan and cheered for the Flames, the Stampeders and the Cannons. John relished telling jokes that made his family groan and he kept his sense of humor until the end. He was an inspiration to us all.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Yvonne, daughters, Candace and Yvette (Jason); as well as his grandchildren, Ashley, Mitchell and Sophie. He is also survived by his sister Barbara (Harold), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Bruce, step-father Gordon, mother Elsie, and brother Ken.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the ALS Society of Alberta for their tremendous support over the last 2.5 years, as well as, to Dr. Jessica Simon and the staff in Unit 93 at the Rockyview Hospital for their compassionate care during John’s final days.
Visitation will take place at Shepherd King Lutheran Church (804 – 75 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. John’s life will be celebrated at Shepherd King Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 11:00 am. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted in John’s memory by the ALS Society of Alberta.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of John with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.