Peter Alexander Burns died at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center on November 15, 2022 with his family by his side, after a short and complicated illness. He was born on May 7, 1935 to Marjorie Hogg Burns and James Peter Burns in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.
He was involved in many activities during his school days at Kirkland Lake Collegiate where he played football with a passion. When he turned 16 he joined the Canadian Air Cadet Program where he proudly attained his private pilot’s licence. Peter went on to study at St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto where he completed his Bachelor of Arts. He attained his Bachelor of Laws at the newly minted University of Toronto Law School. In addition to his studies he found time to play for the U of T varsity water polo team and most importantly this is where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Hutt. Together Peter and Marilyn set out from Toronto for Dryden, after answering an ad in the Law Review. Norman F. McAuley was looking for a lawyer to join him in his practice in Dryden. Peter and Norm found similar values in one another and it was a partnership that lasted decades as they built the firm now known as McAuley and Partners. Peter absolutely loved practicing law and serving his clients, which he did wholeheartedly until he retired at the age of 85.
Peter was active in his community and region serving on many non-profit boards and bringing his quiet and principled leadership to each organization. He was an avid skier who, without fail, could be found every Saturday and Sunday at the Dryden Ski Club with his children and then with his grandchildren, either downhill or cross-country skiing. He loved nothing more than being on a ski trip in the mountains with his family where he especially enjoyed (and sometimes contributed to) the on-hill shenanigans of his gang of skiers. In the summer, he could be found in the sauna at the family camp on Thunder Lake with his grandchildren and the music playing loud– the odd jazz piece being inserted in the playlist in his honour. Peter loved flying and retained his active pilot’s licence for 70 years flying his super-cub C-FULC. He enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow aviators at the Dryden Flying Club and he was always willing and proud to take a passenger up for a flight–many for their first time on floats or skis–to let them experience the absolute beauty of Northwestern Ontario.
Peter’s greatest joy was being devoted to his wife of 61 years Marilyn, being dad to Bonny (Blair), Brian (Denise) and Michael (Laura) and being “Papa” to his beloved grandchildren, Jayme and Cameron Skene, Julia and Owen Burns, and Eric, Adam and Matthew Burns. Peter is survived by his sisters Rosemary Ganley and Norah White, his brother Brian Burns and many deeply loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Please join the family for visitation on Thursday, November 24th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Chapel with prayers by Father Alan Campeau at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 25th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Dryden. Interment will follow with family.
In Peter’s memory, donations can be made to the Dryden Regional Hospital Equipment Fund, www.drhc.on.ca/donate or Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6. Your consideration and generosity is deeply appreciated by his family.
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linnea humphrey says
November 21, 2022 at 6:28 pmI’m so sorry to read of Mr. Burns’ passing. Condolences from the Rossitter (Humphrey) family to all of you. It was so marvelous to spend time with Mr. and Mrs. Burns on our trip to Dryden, and to have the pleasure of staying at your cottage. Sending love to you all.
Michael & Darlene Furlong says
November 27, 2022 at 5:52 pmMillie, Bonny, Brian & Michael & families. When we think of Peter its always with a smile, remembering his “red” ski suit, his older model car, his enthusiasm when he took us for a plane ride around the area, his wit, soft mannerisms & his love for his family. We know how deeply you will all miss him as will those whose lives he impacted. Take care, hold your memories close.
Michael & Darlene
Greg Wilson says
November 21, 2022 at 6:41 pmDryden has lost another one of its best. It was an honour and a joy to know him over the decades as a fellow northerner, lawyer, fellow ski enthusiast, friend and neighbour. Condolences to Millie and the family. I am going to miss our talks.
Owen and Marilyn Colton says
November 21, 2022 at 7:19 pmPeter clearly had a full and fulfilling life of work, play and generosity. He is an example of commitment, goodness, love, respect, and faith amidst a solid ethical background. Our sincere sympathy to Millie, Bonnie, Brian, Michael and their families as well as Rosemary, Norah and Brian Sr….hopefully, the wonderful memories you have of Peter will ease the grief you are experiencing now and for many years to come.
Janice Atkinson says
November 23, 2022 at 3:33 pmI met Mr. Burns when I began my first full time employment at the offices of McAuley, Burns and Platana in 1975/76. Hearing of his passing has stirred fond memories of those days and I will remember Peter as a kind, gentle man.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Janice Atkinson (Ming)
Michael Readman says
November 21, 2022 at 7:35 pmOn behalf of Norman & Lorraine Bevilacqua and the entire team at the Best Western Plus Dryden Hotel,
we offer our condolences to the family.
Daina Colbourne says
November 22, 2022 at 12:24 amI am so sorry for you loss. Daina (Maslach) Colbourne
Barbara Molstad says
November 22, 2022 at 6:07 pmI am sorry for your loss.
Keith and Glenice Sveinson says
November 22, 2022 at 6:31 pmSincere condolences Millie, to you and your family.. Peter was such a good man and will live in your hearts forever.
Bonnie Hatch says
November 22, 2022 at 11:09 pmI’m sorry for your loss
Bonnie H
Lori (Lee) Holmes says
November 22, 2022 at 11:35 pmWe were shocked and saddened to learn of Peter’s sudden passing. Thankful for the over 40 years of being neighbours at Thunder Lake camp. Dad certainly enjoyed his many chats with Peter over the years. Our condolences to Millie and rest of the family. May your many wonderful memories be a comfort in this time of mourning and grief. On behalf of Jack, Jamie and myself – take good care of each other during this very difficult time.
Philip Mathia says
November 23, 2022 at 5:25 amFrom Guelph, Ontario, our sincere condolences to Brian and the entire Burns Family. I had the honour of working alongside Peter’s Son, Brian, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School where we quickly found common ground in many of the past-times inspired by Peter. Although I didn’t have the fortune of travelling in Peter’s circles, I feel like I knew him, as his passion for life and service to others certainly carried on in Brian. Whether it was organizing a trip to Nunavut for our students or championing the Bishop Macdonell Powder-Rats, Brian shared his love of life and sport so freely while inspiring others to engage in his exploits. In 2003, Brian rented a small 4 seater and flew a group of us teachers to a volleyball tournament in Kingston, Ontario where he introduced a whole new world to us. Peter, may you rest in peace knowing that your legacy has multiplied exponentially and that your life energy continues to inspire people far and wide. I am sure I can speak for the entire Wellington Catholic District School Board when I say thank you for celebrating life to the fullest while inspiring so many others along the way! May you be blessed with unbound freedom to fly further, faster, and higher.
Cliff Friesen says
November 23, 2022 at 2:07 pmMy sincere condolences Millie and to your family. Sorry for your loss.
Jacqui Thingstaf says
November 23, 2022 at 3:12 pmWe send condolences to the family. Erik reconnected with Peter this past year.
Erik and Jacqui Thingstad, Ignace
Cheryl Victor says
November 23, 2022 at 5:03 pmCondolences to the Burns family on the passing of a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
I last saw Peter four years ago when he helped my sister Bev and brother Kevin navigate the legalities surrounding the sudden and close deaths of our parents Jack and Bernice Beddome. As was his nature, he was compassionate and caring in these dealings.
Dryden and northwestern Ontario holds a special place in my heart. It’s made richer with people like Peter and the Burns family. There are many memories of interactions at local sports events as Mike, my son Steve and their friends successfully made it through the growing up years. I know the community will join you in mourning the loss of such a prominent and memorable man.
In sympathy for your loss,
Cheryl Victor
Don and Coral Young says
November 23, 2022 at 11:10 pmMy condolences to the Burns family and the Hutt family…..lots of good North Bay memories.
Mark & Edna Boon says
November 24, 2022 at 1:03 pmIt is with sadness to learn about Peter’s passing.
His kindness and community mindedness have impacted so many people in positive ways.
We consider ourselves fortunate to have known him.
We know that he will be dearly missed.
Kindly accept our sincerest sympathy and know that our thoughts will be with the family.
Mark and Edna Boon.
Patrick LeSage says
November 25, 2022 at 1:12 amMy sympathy to all of Peter’s family .
I met Peter when he was at U of T Law school and I was at Osgoode Hall law school , but lived at a very old residence at St Michaels College.
Peter was always a warm, caring friendly person with a great mind and more importantly broad wisdom . His smile was infectious . He was admired, loved and respected by all in the residence.
We were called to the Bar the same year, then Peter left for Dryden. I wasn’t so fortunate
I stayed in Toronto .
In the following 10-15 years I twice had the good fortune to be in Dryden, where I had the great pleasure of visiting with Peter.
He never changed. Always the wonderful, warm welcoming person.
He had a great life. He was a great Canadian . All who knew him benefited from his friendship and his grace and his wisdom .
Patrick LeSage
Andrew & Irene Skene says
November 25, 2022 at 1:35 amDear Millie, Bonny, Brian, Michael & families…
It was with great sadness that we learned of Peter’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this most difficult of times. Please know that you are not alone in remembering a truly wonderful person who meant so much to so many. Peter will be truly missed.
Andrew and Irene Skene
Higgins Family says
November 25, 2022 at 2:26 pmWe were all so sad to hear of Peter’s passing. Our condolences to Millie and the entire Burns family. We appreciated his many years of legal advise to our family and our family businesses. But also enjoyed the years of friendship. It’s a special thing when your lawyer arrives by float plane and then stays for tea!
Our thoughts are with you. Penny and the Higgins family.
Melai says
November 25, 2022 at 5:12 pmMr. Peter was a great man! Though quiet at times you will feel the sincerity and thoughtfulness by his calm expressions and actions. My heart saddened by his loss. Sending healing prayers to the entire family. A Sincere condolences to the grieving family.
Tom McKay says
November 25, 2022 at 7:28 pmMillie and family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Peter’s passing. Peter was warm and caring, with a dry wit. During our time associated with McAuley & Partners, Peter was a great partner and mentor. More than that, he was a great person to be associated with. Both of you were supportive and helpful to our family, a trait which seemed to be strongly ingrained. We still laugh about Peter’s humorous reaction to our then 3 year old son Jonathan helping himself to the bucket of golf balls kept in your garage when we were neighbours. In addition to being missed, Peter is fondly remembered by so many people.
Tom & Helen McKay
Paul R Darling says
November 25, 2022 at 8:27 pmMillie, Bonny, Brian, Michael and families – My sincerest condolences on the loss of Peter. His intelligence, kindness and fairness lives on through your families and friendships.
I was lucky to have met Peter, as he lived his life with a great deal of respect for everyone and everything. Most of all he loved the great family he was blessed with.
I was lucky enough to once be his passenger in the float plane (my only time on floats so far.) Having him share the beautiful terrain around his camp, from the air, is something I will always remember.
May his wonderful, positive personality carry on through the lives of all he knew and loved.
Micheline & Ken Lovenuk says
November 26, 2022 at 12:59 pmPeter was a true gentleman never forgetting where he came from. As a pillar of Dryden he will be surely missed! Our condolences to The entire Burns family. Rest in peace Peter…you’ve earned your rest.
Jayne Ford says
November 26, 2022 at 3:36 pmDear Millie, Bonnie, Brian, Michael and families,
It is with great sadness that I learned about Peter passing from mom and dad. My condolences to you all.
He was an amazing man who gave so much to his family, friends and the community.
I hope you can continue your healing journey of your loss by remembering the good times.
Even though, I haven’t seen Peter in a number of years, I shall remember our family ski trips, visit to the cottage, his love of sports and knowing that you always had a neighbor you could count on.
Thinking of you all.
Bill Vincent says
November 26, 2022 at 4:49 pmOur sincere condolences to Millie and family. Peter was a gentleman and will be missed.
Bill and Susan Vincent
Esta Palter says
November 27, 2022 at 5:57 pmMillie and Family,
May your wonderful memories sustain you at this time.
I have fond memories of our dinner together at Niagara-on-the-Lake at our last class reunion.
Thinking of you with deepest sympathy.
Esta Palter
Ted & Myra Collins says
November 27, 2022 at 6:48 pmTed graduated from U of T law school with Peter and has many good memories of those days. Myra remembers partying with Pete & Millie (as we knew her) and watching Millie’s skill with a banjo ukelele.
Ted and Millie graciously hosted Ted when work took him to Dryden a number of years ago.
We are extending condolences to all of the family.
In Peter’s memory, donations can be made to the Dryden Regional Hospital Equipment Fund, www.drhc.on.ca or Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6. Your consideration and generosity is deeply appreciated by his family.
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