Burnett, Douglas Gordon Wayne

Douglas Gordon Wayne Burnett – Was born April 23/1958 in Souris, Manitoba to Howard and Jean (Howell) Burnett.

Doug peacefully passed away on October 7/2016 with his best friend and companion of 10 years his dog Mandy and four loving sisters Norma, Della, Sheila and Rhonda by his side at the Assiniboine Centre Hospital in Brandon. Doug was predecease by his mother Jean in 2001 and his father Howard in 1991.

The family left Souris in 1959 and moved to Forrest, Manitoba for a short time then resided in the east end of Brandon on Russell Street. Doug attended various schools throughout his early years, Forrest and King George elementary. The family eventually moved to the outskirts of Brandon which was known to many as the “Ponderosa”. Here is where Doug was bused into Earl Oxford Junior High and then onto Neelin High School where he graduated with honours.

Before graduation Doug plunged into the work force, starting as a delivery person for the Winnipeg Tribune and then onto as a  construction worker for Nelson River Construction laying down water and sewer lines in the Riverheights subdivision. The summer of 1975 Doug went onto working for Behlen Industries. One year later Doug started to work for Coca-Cola Beverages where he was employed for 13 years. Doug decided to change careers and he became a real estate agent starting off with McTavish Real Estate, Ken Gordon Real Estate and then onto Century 21 Real Estate. Doug opened up his own business called A – OK Yard Service. This truly was Doug’s calling as he was a hard worker, he had committed clients,  and took great pride in his work! He loved the outdoors and the best was that he was his own boss and of course worked  his own hours! There was no holding Doug back, life was good and he was on the right track! And to prove that to all Doug decided to throw his name in for the Mayor candidacy in October 2002 that takes a whole new level of confidence! After the election Doug moved to the bright lights of Alexander where this would be his final home. He enjoyed working in his yard and entertaining friends sitting around the bonfire having the odd beverage. Doug was currently employed with Virden Water Portables Ltd.

Doug loved playing cards and going to the hockey drafts with the boys. He liked to play poker, and even shared the odd card trick. Doug loved to watch the sports channel. Doug played baseball in the Centennial, Commercial and Merchant Fastball League, broom ball  league with numerous city championships, tournaments and provincial wins, along with curling out of the Riverview Curling Club for over 10 years in Brandon.

There were many wonderful aspects to Doug’s life that touched our lives. He will be remembered as a wonderful brother, a great friend, a generous Uncle, brother’n law, nephew, cousin, outdoorsman, a poker player, collector, gardener, and a friendly face in town.

Doug is survived by his sister Norma, and husband Kevin Will of Carroll Manitoba and their son Colby and  wife Cj Will, great nephew Aiden and great niece Avery of Warren, Manitoba. Daughter Kaleigh and  husband Fraser Somersall of Souris,Manitoba and great nephews Kai  and Kase, great-niece Oak. Son Chaz Will of Carroll, Manitoba. His sister Della and husband Jim Butler of Souris, Manitoba and their children Kristin and Dustin Butler. His sister Sheila, and husband Aaron Schell of Winnipeg, Manitoba and their children Logan,Kenzie, and Morgan Schell. His sister Rhonda Burnett and companion Elliot Ryzner of Brandon and their children Rylee, Randi Burnett and Jayce,Nate Ryzner. Uncle Clinton and Aunt Mavis of Killarney, Manitoba. Doug had many cousins he grew up with that he was very fond of and had many great childhood memories with them all. Many thanks to all Doug’s friends from Alexander for all their help and support during his illness.

A Celebration of Doug’s life was held Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Carroll Hall in Carroll Manitoba.

In memory of Doug, donations can be made to the Assiniboine Centre Palliative Care unit in Brandon or the Brandon Humane Society.

Interment will take place at a later date.