Apr 26, 2018
It is with saddened hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, William (Bill) Burma on April 26th, 2018 in the Polson Special Unit. Today our precious father has been reunited with Jesus and all of his family members who went on before him.
On June 10th, 1929, Stephan and Fadokja Burma sailed into Montreal from Europe with their three small children. Three years later William Burma was born on May 2nd, 1931 in High Vale, Alberta. Bill lived on a farm in a log cabin with nine other siblings and went to school making a two and one half mile trek to the country school house every day. Growing up Bill helped grow crops, nurture the farm animals, and take care of younger siblings. In 1949 Bill took the train to B.C. with his brothers Harold and John. While seeking excitement and adventure in B.C., the beautiful scenery, warm weather, and new friends persuaded Dad to make his permanent home in Vernon.
Bill's first employment opportunities were a mixture of various jobs. He worked in the fruit packing houses during harvest and later found steady employment in forestry at the local lumber mills. He was skilled at all forestry labour jobs and was an expert with the power saw. Several years later, Bill trained in the steam laundry and dry cleaning business. Following the laundry business Bill jumped at the opportunity to train as an orderly in the Psychiatric Unit at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. He loved this job because he was able to show love and compassion to the patients he worked with. Finally, in 1956, Bill obtained employment with Dairyland where he worked until he retired in 1991.
Dad married the love of his life, Olga Medynski, on October 4th, 1952. Together they made their life in Vernon, worked hard at their respective jobs and enjoyed their church community. Dad played his guitar in the church orchestra: an activity that gave him much joy and satisfaction.
Bill and Olga loved to travel. Bill would jump in the car and just drive, making his way through all of the western United States and Mexico. He enjoyed more than two dozen holidays to Hawaii with family and friends. When Bill was not travelling, playing his guitar or studying his Bible, his creative side flourished in other activities. He loved to tinker with wood, create beautiful bonsais with his shrubs and was an excellent cook.
Bill is survived by his daughters, LaVonne (Conrad) Kober and April (Brent) Dunbar; six grandchildren, Sean, Jeff (Tye), Vanessa (Patrick), Silas, Autumn and Ezra and two great-grandchildren, Vivienne and Roland. He was preceded in death by his wife, Olga; his parents, Stephan and Fadokja; five brothers, John, Harold, Ed, Dan and George; and four sisters, Olga, Mary, Frances and Ann.
A Graveside Service will take place at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery on Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. We, the family, invite those attending to please join us for lunch immediately following the service.
We wish to extend heartfelt appreciation to the Staff at Polson Special for the care and support that they provided for Bill.
Funeral arrangements have been made with BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD., 5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5. 250-542-1187