Obituary of John Clifford 'Jack' Burns

BURNS: John Clifford “Jack” – A resident of Ridgetown, and formerly of Sarnia and Toronto, Jack Burns passed away peacefully at the Village on the Ridge in Ridgetown with family at his side on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at the age of 87. Born in Toronto, son of the late Ivan and Martha (Davis) Burns. Beloved husband of the late Muriel Burns (2006). Dear father of Judith Jean-Paul of Oshawa, John and his wife Michelle of Oakville, David and his wife Valerie of Ridgetown and Wendy Dick of West Lorne. Proud grandfather of Anthony Jean-Paul (fiancée Shyla) of Ajax, Adrian Jean-Paul (Rebecca) of Oshawa, Julie Burns of Toronto, Steve Burns (Meagan) of Etobicoke, Jenna Burns of Newmarket, Stephanie Evans (Mark) of Simpsonville, SC., Kristy Cline of Indianapolis, IN., Jeremy Burns (fiancée Victoria) of Chatham, Jessica Dreise (Pete) of Chatham, Nicole Burns of Chatham, Joshua Burns of Ridgetown, Angela Dick of London, Sarah Dick (Arsalan) of Toronto and Mackenzie Dick of West Lorne. Great-grandfather to Brittany, Savannah, MJ, Alyssa, Ashley, Ava, Brendan, Victoria, Kayleigh and Raiden. Brother to James Burns of Toronto. Survived by his sister-in-law Pat Burns of Sudbury. Predeceased by his brothers William and Robert and his sisters Eva and Mildred. Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Jack had received his Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Engineering from the University of Toronto. He worked for 20 years at Polymer Corporation in Sarnia, before beginning his teaching career at Ridgetown District High School. Jack had a lifelong interest in music, having been the organist at the Erie Street United Church and Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church for 16 years. He was a member of the Laudate Dominum Choir and was very active as the director for the Ridgetown Senior Centre choir. He was also member of the Board of Sessions at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church for many years and provided musical ministry to the residents of the Village in Ridgetown for over 10 years. Jack was a devoted family man who always put his family first. He found great comfort in his Christian faith. Jack received the Order of Canada and the Community Achievement Award for lifelong volunteering in his community. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 76 Main Street E., Ridgetown on Friday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Emmanuel Congregational Church, Erie Street North, Ridgetown at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013 with Rev. Tim Lukings officiating. Donations made in memory of Jack to the Canadian Cancer Society or Emmanuel Congregational Church would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com, McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, Ontario,(519)674-3141.