BURGESS, John David (“Dave”) of Bella Lake, passed away peacefully at Algonquin Grace Hospice in Huntsville, Ontario, on Wednesday October 7th, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 73.
David was born in Toronto on November 9th, 1941, to the late Helen Katherine and Stewart Lossing Burgess. He grew up in Leaside and on Bella Lake, where his father built one of the area’s first cottages in 1955.
David attended the University of Toronto and graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering. It was during these years he met and married the love of his life, Virginia (“Ginny”) Jacuzzi. His professional life spanned a multitude of endeavors from engineering, founding and running a successful manufacturing company, to business consulting in his later years.
David and Ginny raised four children in Toronto, Loretto, and at Bella Lake. Despite his busy career, David always made time for his family, whether it was teaching his kids how to ski, fire a shotgun or paddle a canoe.
David was a man of principles and stood up for what he believed in. He gave generously to the community and was actively involved in many business, professional and volunteer activities throughout his life.
Always the consummate host, David loved to entertain friends and family at parties with stories of past misadventures (not to mention the odd cannon firing). But his real passion was his Muskoka property. David could usually be found in the “back 40”, exploring, building trails and maintaining the land.
David is survived by his loving wife, Ginny, and their four children, Cynthia of Oakville, Christine (Mark) Jany of St. Catharines, Jennifer (Kerry Fodie) of Sechelt, BC, and John David Jr. (Veronique) of St. Catharines ; sisters Barbara (Barry) Christie of Cranbrook, BC, and Wendy (Rob Fraser) of Toronto, brother William (Marie) of Agassiz, BC; and grandchildren Laura and Katie Jany, Jake and James Burgess.
A memorial service for David will be held on Saturday October 24th, 2015, at 1 pm at Trinity United Church, 33 Main Street East, Huntsville. A reception will follow at Partner’s Hall of the Algonquin Theatre (beide the church).
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Algonquin Grace Hospice for their care and comfort in the final days of David’s illness. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Algonquin Grace Hospice or RVH Foundation, Simcoe Muskoka Cancer Centre.
Mike and Judy spino
Judy and I extend our warmest sympathies…we have just now found out about Dave’s death…I’m having trouble believing it….such a smart and strong person, and too young to go…I looked up to him even though I’m only a few years younger…..our thoughts are with you and your family.
Bren-da LeDrew keyes
Oh Ginny… So sorry to hear just this morning of Dave’s passing and I’ve missed sending you a note earlier. Please send a kind regards to your beautiful family.
Fond Hockley Valley memories… Bren-da
Tom Beaman
Ginny, I have considered Dave a friend, hunting partner, and excellent storyteller whom I hold with great respect. He was an invaluable asset and tireless champion both to the Loon Lake Hunt club and personally as a local cottager and friend of our family. I spent many an evening at the Loon Lake dinner table just -listening- to him pass on to me his wisdom and knowledge of the area and it’s characters…that table will seem the emptier without him.My deepest condolences for your loss.
Tom Beaman.
Angel Benn
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Allan & Dustan
Dear Ginny and family. Please accept our heart-felt sympathies and condolences at this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with you all.
Diane and Michael Ward
Thinking of you, Ginny, and your family in this time of grief
Berne and Carol Reesor
Carol and I send our thoughts to Ginny and family at this difficult time. Memories of Bella Lake and Billie Bear are flooding back. A special mention to Bill for the loss of his brother.Berne and Carol Reesor
Sally K. Beattie (nee Litch)
To Dave’s wife and family,
I was in grade IX home room class at Leaside High School and always found him a gentle, kind classmate. Smart, modest and with that wonderful smile. It is sad to know that our old group is facing serious illnesses but we were a positive bunch and all are lucky with good memories of productive lives. Bless you all. Sally Beattie
Monique Heemskerk
Hi Ginny I’m zoo sorry to hear about your husbands passing, had no clue about his illness and I know we don’t talk much but really are shocked to hear this news, of course showings further away saturday but will try to make it. all the best girl, you take care of yourself!!!
jeff lovegrove
Ginny and FamilySo sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Jeff Lovegrove and family
BOB ARMSTRONG
Dave and I had wonderful times during our Leaside High days. I was pleased that we reconnected again at the last reunion.I’ll miss that twinkle and grin.
Alan and Mary Brereton
Dear GinnyMary and I are both saddened to hear of David’s passing. We both remember David with fondness from our years at Leaside High School. His droll sense of humour lightened up many social occasions. To you and your family we send our deep sympathy.
Bob Hutcheson
Dave has always amazed me with his ability,his strength in communication. I love the memories of the times we spent together and the advice that he has given me. May we all be proud of what he has done for the Foundation Beach and its association over the years. Kind wishes to Dave’s family and friends.
Dave Jarrett
Sincerest condolences to the Burgess family.
Tony Hill
I was very saddened to here of David’s illness and passing. My condolences to Ginny and family. I will miss our fireside chats .
andrew west
So sorry to hear about your loss.
Rick Wearing & Sandra Parrott
Dear Ginny: We are saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences. May you and your family keep your memories of wonderful times spent with Dave through the years close to your hearts in the times ahead. Please understand you are in our thoughts at this time.