Obituary of Harry Donald Burns

Harry Donald Burns, in his 97th year, of Petrolia, formerly of Forest Ontario, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 18th, 2024, at Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital in Petrolia, ON.

Harry was born in Exeter, Ontario, to Harry and Cora (Sanders) Burns on August 25, 1927. He joined the army when he was 18, serving in the Korean War building runways in Alaska. He worked for Chrysler Corporation in Michigan until his retirement. He was also a farmer in Forest, ON. He enjoyed welding, golfing, and especially spending time with family and friends. He was involved with the St. James Presbyterian Church for many years.

Harry is survived by his daughter Rene Burns of Sarnia and son, Robert Burns (Tracy) of Port Stanley. As well as his five grandchildren: Jennifer Carter (Brian), Mitchell, Clayton, Tyson (Emily), Logan (Mikayla), four great-grandchildren Cohen, Sawyer, Maxwell and Atticus, and Sister-in-law Mary Logan. He will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife Hazel (Logan) 2003), his parents, Harry and Cora, stepfather Art LaChance, brother Robert and sister-in-law Caroline. His in-laws Donald Logan (Mildred), (Laura), Olive Simpson (George), Freeda Lougheed (Ralph), and Floyd Logan.   

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital in Petrolia, Brookside Retirement Living of Watford and Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital.

Special thanks to Norma and Linda, his nieces, for their continued help meeting Harry’s needs and for the many friends and family that came to visit him

Visitation will be held at Dennings Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 23rd, from 6-8 pm and Wednesday afternoon, 1-2 pm. Funeral service will be held at Dennings Funeral Home, 9 James Street South, Forest Ontario, on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024, at 2 pm.  Reverend Stefan Botha of St. James Presbyterian Church will be officiating.

Interment to follow at Beechwood Cemetery, 43 Beechwood Ave Forest ON. 

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association or the charity of one's choice.