Jack Burford Ploughman
December 17, 1930 to September 16, 2020
Obituary
In the early hours of September 16, Jack Burford Ploughman of Coley’s Point (the epicentre of all good things, according to Burf) died peacefully at 89 years old. Patricia (Tish) has been Burf’s loving wife, caregiver, confidante and partner in illuminating societal wrongs for over 60 years. He played his best match when he met Tish on the Courts of Riverdale Tennis Club.
He will be lovingly remembered by daughter Kim (David Healey), sons Andrew (Chantelle Burke), Bruce (Susan) and Mark (Mary Walsh) and grandchildren Alex, Denys, Jared, Lauren, Sarah, Claire and Jeremy.
Burf and Patsy met at Riverdale around their shared love for tennis. While he played competitively well into his seventies, he was actually recognized in the Newfoundland and Labrador Tennis Hall of Fame for his role as a builder. Today, the St. John’s Tennis Association, hosts an annual tournament in his name.
Burf is also remembered as someone who loved to debate at every opportunity; either to the glee or chagrin of those around him. These were skills he honed through the Methodist College Literary Institute (the MCLI), a notable group of local rogues dedicated to the elegance of structured argument and who later shaped the political narrative in Newfoundland and Labrador. He went on to host the weekly show, Analysis, sponsored by the MCLI, on CJON for 5 years. It led to some memorable on-air moments in the province’s political history.
He was a fiercely patriotic Newfoundlander (and later Labradorian) and doggedly promoted his visions to make this a better place. He became known for his efforts to advance the fixed link, a recommendation lingering from a landmark transportation report commissioned in the 70’s. He was one of the commissioners. He was a “businessman” at heart and worked tirelessly to support the dreams of entrepreneurs; for whom he had the utmost respect.
Above all, he was an outdoorsman and his exploits on the barrens of the Southern Shore were legendary. An invitation from Burf for a day of hunting or fishing was not to be taken lightly if you had any reservations, no matter how slight, about your own level of fitness. We did come to understand that, on the crest of a treeless ridge where there are no trails other than those carved by caribou, and where you feel the wind without hearing it, is where he found ultimate peace and tranquility. We expect he is there now.
The family would like to thank Ean Parsons of the Family Medicine Clinic for his years of care for our Dad as well as the amazing NL history he shared with him. We would also like to thank the staff of 5 East, St. Clare’s for their compassionate and touching care during Dad’s final hours.
There will be no visitation and cremation has taken place.
Just stumbled upon this obituary iam sorry for your loss. Iam William John Raymond my mother was a Ploughman from st johns newfoundland as was my grandfather and grand mother agnes and Roland Ploughman guessing where related some how my uncle was Roy and my mom was Jean R Ploughman jack burford looks like my uncle. Well I just wanted to say iam very sorry for your loss
In October of 1970, I met Burf on my first business trip to Hicmans in Newfoundland. My very first impressions were that he was a exceptional intellect and a first class gentleman. In short, he stood out. During the years that followed, my admiration for him only grew. As a matter of fact, i met my spouse on a Eastern Provincial flight with Burf as we travelled into Newfoudlands interior. Burf was a remarkable leader whose presence served as a beacon for all to follow. Patsy….sorry for your loss.
Patsy and family, I was so saddened to learn that Burf had passed away. My deepest sympathy to you and his family. I know he had a great love for tennis and we would always meet him at the tennis courts and he always had a ready smile. My family always knew you and Burf over the years and you were a great couple, Please accept my deepest sympathy, Sincerely Bernie Gillies Murphy Dinn.
Mark and family,
So sorry to hear of the recent loss of your father. Thinking of you and your family. Sincere condolences .
Mary Anne and Paul Griffin
Patsy and Family;
I shall write you all a longer letter when I can collect my thoughts. I first met Burf in the summer of 1969, for some reason he showed up at the Boy Scout Jamboree in Makinsons. I seem to recall that he had some connection with the Troop in the Bell tent next to us and regaled both groups with stories of growing in Coleys Point while roasting marshmallows over charcoal.
Met him again a few times in the 70s through my uncle Wilf Dawe who lived in Maple Street . He called me out of the blue when I was fighting the lighthouse closures in 1994 and he brought me across the barrens on the southern shore to hear the fog horn from Cape Race.
He quipped “I remember when it bellowed like a bull moose chasing you during mating season! now it just squeaks!” It was the impetus for the “Tobin Tin Whistle” radio add than I placed on VOCM.
Burf, Alex Hickman, John O’Rielly ,Fraser Ellis and Sonny Butler got a great kick out of that.
Burf has been a great inspiration over the past 25 years; he will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
My deepest condolences and i am so sad that I never had the opportunity to visit your place in the Lee side of Point Amour In Labrador.
I’ve known the Ploughman family for most of my life. Many years ago I boarded with Mrs. Ploughman (Burf’s. Mother) for two years.. During that time Burf treated me as a brother. He was the greatest!
Bill
Dear Patsy and all of Burf’s family,
Knowing Burf was a privilege and a great pleasure. He was a special guy. I enjoyed working with him,, but time spent in the outdoors was the best. I’m sure he is hiking on the barrens now.
Jack Botsford
Dear Patsy and family,
Sue joins with me in sincere condolences but also in appreciation for Burf’s wonderful life and community contribution! As you know, we worked together with the St. John’s Board of Trade and subsequently on other projects such as the Commission of Inquiry on Newfoundland Transportation. While he held strong opinions, they were always well researched, reasoned and thought out! He was a passionate and dedicated Newfoundlander and Labradorean!
So sorry to learn of Burf’s passing. While he was with CME we collaborated on many projects. He was always on top of the issues, helpful and passionate about all things NL. He attended Harris Centre sessions regularly and was never shy in letting us know which were the top issues we should be focusing on. He made a great contribution to our province and was a true gentlemen.
Dear Patsy,
Thinking of you at this time.
Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Kim Furlong
Our sincere condolences to the Ploughman family on the passing of your beloved Burf. We have fond memories of Burf during our tennis days in St. John’s. He was always pleasant and had time for a chat, and who could forget that smile.
Take care and cherish those wonderful memories.
Pls accept my sincere condolences on the passing of a wonderful gentleman.
Always a pleasure to sit down and listen to his thoughts after a game of tennis.
A life well lived.
Patricia,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Burf. We have fond memories of our interactions with him and his Bay Roberts family.
Warmest regards,
Eric & Betty Jerrett
Patsy, Mark, Kim, Bruce and Andy,
I was saddened to hear about Burf’s passing but know he received the best of care from Patsy over the past few years. I have fond memories of Burf – his love of story telling, and his passion for this place always made for a fun and interesting time whenever we met. His quest for a fixed link will always stay with me and I hope some day it is realized.
It was always a pleasure to convene with the Ploughman crew for a gathering or a meal. You’re a great family and clearly Patsy and Burf were dedicated to creating an environment of love and laughter, and any guest who got the opportunity to experience it was truly lucky. His legacy is large and I am surprised to be still learning about ventures or accomplishments he undertook in his life.
Hugs to you all.
Hi Bruce,
We’re so sorry to hear about your Dad. It’s always so hard to lose a parent. From the obituary he sounded like a real character. Our condolences on your loss.
Love Karen
Sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. My memories of Burf was in the early 50’s when he use to visit our store and then in the late 50’s I worked at A.E. Hickman’s. He was a gentleman. I also enjoyed coffee at the ‘squared’ om the 90’s when we would have a chat . Take care and treasure our memories.
I met Burf late in his life but in the short time I knew him I knew that I had met a man of vision and substance. Our discussions at The Pasta Plus Caucus were riveting as we discussed all manner of political goings on. He knew so many people and when I found out he was a fellow Feildian that cemented our acquaintance. Patsy thank you for giving Fraser, David and I the chance to chat with Burf over soup in your home. He may be gone but he is certainly not forgotten.
To Patsy and family, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Bert contributed so much not only to St. John’s but also in other areas in Newfoundland, he will be greatly missed.
To the Ploughman Family I offer my sincerest condolences. Your father was a friend of my father, the late Peter Blake. I expect their shared love of the barrens is where they established their friendship. My Dad, too, loved the woods, waters and skies of this magnificent province. My Dad has gone to his heavenly reward 8 1/2 years ago, but perhaps now, our Dad’s can share a hunting memory together and recount their days on the Southern Shore. May your dad rest in the loving arms of God our Heavenly Father.
Our sincere condolences Patsy and family. (Gerry and Cynthia Russell)
I am saddened to learn of Burf’s passing, Patsy. He was a lovely man. My thoughts are with you, your family, and his many friends and colleagues at this time. May he rest in peace.
Dear Patsy & Family,
A life time of memories and birthdays with Burf. You both have enriched our lives. Travelling throughout our province and visits to labrador, such laughter and congeniality. My family sends their love to you all
BRENDA
Mark & Family, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your father.
Judy Sheppard
To the family, I first met Burf through the Newfoundland Manufacturers Association when I was Chair of NEIA. Together with Jerry Smith we had the task of combining three industry associations which was not easy. No matter how difficult things got Burf always had a quip and a laugh. During my many elections he would always contact me to discuss public policy. He had great concern for the future of our province and made his feelings known. Having said that he was always contributed with the pubic good in mind. I don’t think I ever beat him in tennis! He was a good soul and he will be missed.
Mark, Andy::
I remember your Dad from the days when he and Jim Russell were the ranking doubles team in provincial tennis. I later had the pleasure of playing with and against him. A great sportsman and gentleman.
Please accept my condolences.
Mark, Mary and family,
Sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
Thinking of you all,
Fred and Mary Constantine
So sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. A wonderful man, great story teller ( an important part of “the Caucus” at Terrace on the Square with my dad) and great Newfoundlander.
Condolences to the family.
Sorry to hear of Uncle Burf’s passing. Although I didn’t know him as well as my brother’s, Mike and Robert, I do remember a fun outing to Butterpot Park in 1968, my first visit to Newfoundland with my family from Toronto. What a wonderful day with Burf, Patsy and the kids. Still one of my favourite memories of Newfoundland now that I’ve lived here forty years. Burf had a successful and fruitful life in so many ways.. He’ll be long remembered with fondness.
Andy, We were saddened to hear of the loss of your father. He was clearly passionate about many things and happy to share his thoughts with others. His perceptions and views about Newfoundland and Labrador were accurate and insightful. It appears many of his interests were passed on to those who new and loved him best. Our condolences to you, your mom and siblings. Enjoy the memories, John and Susan.
Patsy and Family,
We were very saddened to hear of Burf’s passing. I have had the privilege of knowing Burf and you for a long time going back to when I was a university student in the 1960s. Somehow our paths crossed in debating and remained connected after that. Burf was a great supporter of debate, discussion and argument and always a mentor for young people. He arranged formal debates through the MCLI and hosted the television show Analysis for many years.
Later I got the chance to chase Burf around on the Southern Shore and learned how passionate he was about the natural world. He was hard to keep up with and the most you could do was try to keep him in sight and hope the dog would make a stand. He had a great sense of direction and always knew the right way even in the fog. He never took many breaks but certainly knew how to enjoy life and along the way he helped many of us enjoy life with him.
Leo and Maureen White
Patsy, I am so sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. He and I shared some interesting times and travels together , now long years ago. Burf was indeed a passionate Newfoundlander and Labradorian, and he contributed much to our province through both his work and times of leisure.. Margie and I send our thoughts and sincere condolences to you and your family.
To Patsy, Mark, Bruce, Kim and Andy. My memories or your Dad go all the way back to Allendale Place. He was a person who showed how to love our home with all it’s glory and all it’s warts. You could be proud of this place, make a perfect life here and contribute to making her even better, not in a passive way, in true passion for home.
My sympathies to you all,
Margaret Butt
To the Ploughman family – Please accept my condolences on your loss. Newfoundland and Labrador has lost a tremendous son.
Burf held this beautiful province in his soul, it’s woes on his mind and it’s successes in his heart. An intelligent. gentleman who demonstrated that assisting others to succeed was in fact personal success and worthy of the effort.
He loved Newfoundland and Labrador because he knew her oceans. rivers, lakes and gullies; her hills, and rocks, her flora and fauna, her peoples’ courage and. ingenuity.
In order to debate an issue or fight the fight – one has to understand the stakes. Burf shared his knowledge and as a result left others who could continue to carry the torch.
He will be missed.
I send my sincere sympathy to all of Burf’s family. The Ploughman and Bailey families were very close. When my husband Alf and I married in 1957, Burf was our Master of Cermonies. As you would expect, a job well done! We always thought of him dearly.
Dear Patsy,
For you and your lovely family happily linked with ours, please accept my love and sympathy for you, your children, their partners and your grandchildren as well as all those close who so enjoyed time, meals and good conversation with you and Burf.
Patsy and family:
So much enjoyed meeting you and Burf several years ago when our topic of conversation was the MCLI. A pleasant get-together at your home!!
Paul Sparkes
We send our condolences to you Mark, Bruce and family.
Bill and Lynn Morrissey
Dear Patsy and Family
I was truly saddened to hear of Burf’s passing.
Burf and I spent many hours charting the course of the newly formed Newfoundland Manufacturing Association(NMA) in the late 1980’s, and it was an enjoyable and memorable experience. Burf was a pleasure to work with.
His passion for Newfoundland and Labrador was always at the forefront of his mind.
Burf was a great debater and conversationalist and a true gentleman..
He will be missed.
Gerry Smith
Dear Patsy and family,
Very sorry to here of Burf’s passing .
He was a gentleman on and off the court.
A real pleasure to play tennis with and against him.
May he rest in peace.
Douglas Mason
Dear Patsy and Family, Our condolences on your loss of Burf.. Always a strong supporter of Newfoundland and Labrador, visionary in some aspects of our Provinces development, and a fine gentleman. You have a lifetime of memories to help sustain you in the days ahead. Our prayers are with you all.
Frank O’Connor and Family
Dear Patsy and Family, Our condolences on your loss of Burf.. Always a strong supporter of Newfoundland and Labrador, visionary in some aspects of our Provinces development, and a fine gentleman. You have a lifetime of memories to help sustain you in the days ahead. Our prayers are with you all.
Frank O’Connor and Family
So sorry to hear of your loss.
I still have fond memories of our families spending time together and of Burf and Patsy at various parties hosted by Dad and Mom.
He will be missed.
Dear Patsy, Andy, Chantelle, Mark and Family
Burford’s warmth, engagment and influence is so obvious as we join among this lengthy consortium of supporters, empathizers friends and family. Yes Patsy – Burford and you shared a grand life and contirubted so much in so many ways [you still do]. And you gave us a magnificent family who with you have enabled Burford to move on to the natural peace and tranquilty that he so valued, appreciated and deserves.
Godspeed Bill and Janet Montevecchi.
On behalf of my family, I send to Patricia and her family our deepest sympathy on Burf,s passing. Bob and the rest of the Russell family. The Ploughman family and our family were close friends over the years, and when visiting in Bay Roberts would drop into our house or my dad’s printing office for a visit..Sincerely, Robert Russell
My father hailed from Port Rexton and grew up with Burf’s dad. Jack. My great great grandmother was a ploughman Consequently i knew the whole family from an early age. His brother Bob and i were lifetime friends ..My condolences to Patsy, whom i first met at Peter Parnham’s in the early 1960.s. I always enjoyed great chats with Burf, .
‘s
I remember Burf being part of my parents’ group since my childhood. Many of Dad’s birthday dinners involved you both plus Denys Ferry, Erich Crichbaum, the Kennedys, Brants and the Lucis. Once I became an adult, I enjoyed having conversations with Burf as he was always a good listener as well as being well informed on the topics of the day. It’s always sad to me when I lose people that have been a part of my life since my childhood. My sincere condolences to you and your family!
Kristine (Balodis) Penney.
Mark and family,
Very sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. In his role as head of the then prov Manufacturers’ Assoc and mine in economic development, I have many fond memories of working with Burf on numerous projects that advanced the success of our business community. His passion for supporting NL business and, or course, his advocacy for a fixed link are what stands out. The Ploughman family can be very proud of Burf’s exceptional contribution to making NL a better place to live and work.
Patsy and family. Condolences on your loss. Buff had a life well lived. It was a pleasure to compete against. him on the tennis and squash courts. A true gentleman at all times and a remarkable old Feildian.
To Aunt Patsy and cousins Mark, Bruce, Kim and Andrew
I am saddened to hear the passing of uncle Burf. Looking back, I remember a day outing on the southern shore to do some trout fishing with Burf, dad (Vern) and myself. I was 10 at the time on my first visit to NL. Compared to strolling the sidewalks of Toronto, hiking across the barrens took on a whole new meaning. On the way out, my little legs were done. Burf picked me up and threw me on his back alongside his fishing gear for the rest of the walk out. Indeed, my fondest memory of him. Rest in peace uncle Burf.
Hello Dear Ploughmans,
Burf was a person worth knowing, a bright spirit and a pleasure to be around. He had one of the most reliable backhands I’ve seen in local tennis, more like Lendl’s as opposed to modern stars: his elbow above the ball as it approached, and his forearm nearly vertical to the floor. He hit up on it to very good effect and I loved seeing him make that shot. Doubtless you have other reasons to miss him, but I just thought I’d add that one.
My sincere condolence I loved your Dad loved listening to him he had so much knowledge god bless John and Lori Trainor
So sorry to hear of uncle Burf’s passing. Our deepest sympathy goes out to aunt Patsy and my cousin’s families. I fondly remember our families getting together in the motorhomes.
Patsy and family,
I was saddened to here of Burf,s passing. My condolences and prayers are with you at this time.
Blessings,
Barbara Ellis
Very sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. With sincere condolences.
Mark and family,
Please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of your father, grandfather. He was a true friend to Newfoundland and Labrador and will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance. I (Ken) personally knew Burf as a supporter of Newfoundland business enterprise and development. We had many fine and engaging discussions over the state of our business community. My fondest memory was getting lost together at a monastery market in the foothills of the Chilean Andes.
May your fondest memories of your dad carry you through this time of sorry.
Sincere condolences to you Patsy on the passing of Burf, I admire your committment to his care until the very end. Andy, Mark, Bruce, Kim and grandchildren, I’m sure that out of everything Burf did, all of you were his proudest accomplishments. I hope all of you heartwarming memories help you through missing your dad and grandfather. God bless.
Patsy and family,
So sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. Sending sincere condolences to you and yours.
Take care,
Helen Gosine (former neighbor)
Mark and family.,
Sending you my condolences. Your dad sounds like the most remarkable, engaging and wonderful man. Will be thinking of you all in the days ahead as you remember his impact on each of you and his province.
Take care,
Karen
We were saddened to hear of Burf’s passing. Patsy we remember you and Burf’ as such friendly neighbours on Pine Bud, and through various interactions in the community . My Dad was always delighted when Burf would show up for the “Caucus” .Meetings at Pasts Plus in the Square, as he knew they would be guaranteed lively and provocative discussions when. Burf was there! He will be remembered for his contributions and great love of this province. Our condolences to all the family. He will be truly missed.
Bruce and Mark, I met your father over the years in several capacites…tennis, economic development, community issues. He was always respectful and engaging. I am sure that these characteristics will remain with your family. May he rest in the solace that he made contributions to our society. Condolances to your families.
Bruce and Susan, we are both saddened by the obviously enormous loss for your family. It sounds like Bruce got many of his best traits from his dad! Please accept our deepest condolences. We will keep your whole fault in our prayers.
So sorry to hear about Mr Ploughman’s passing. He was such a lovely man and we enjoyed the dinners at Mary and Mark’s with him!
Xoxo
Deepest sympathies
Dave Edwards B.F.C.
Hey Mark,
Sorry for your loss.. Be Safe.
Sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. He was my father’s cousin and I have many memories of him from childhood. I remember his apartment in Churchill Square vet well.
I’m so sorry I didn’t get to know my uncle I heard a lot of fun stories growing up. (My parents are Pearl and Jerry Ploughman). My deepest condolences to all.
So sorry to hear about Burf’s passing. Please accept our condolences..mom is 97 in St.Patricks Mercy Home and she was sad when I told her. She met Burf years ago and stayed with his family when she and dad were first married. Pat and Bern Sparrow. ,Winnie Ploughman and the Ploughman family in St.Johns and Port RExton.
Dear Patsy and the Ploughman Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May you always keep Berf’s memory close to your hearts. Rest In Peace, Berf and God bless the Ploughman family!
Condolences to Patsy and Family on the passing of
Burf. He was truly a real gentleman and will be
missed by all. May he Rest in Peace.
The Ploughman Family,
Sorry for your loss, I trust your fond memories of Burf will help you at this sad time. My own memories of Burf go back to the 1960’s and I always found him to be a gentleman both socially and in business.
Best wishes to all.
Pat and Family,
Sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. Condolences to your family
JOSEPHINE and Clyde Bagg
Mark, Mary and family
We were saddened to hear of Burf’s passing. I knew Burf from before you came back from the mainland. He was an interesting guy and a good man. Our condolences. Paul and Margaret
Patsy,
I am so sad to hear about Burf.
He was such a gentleman, both on the court and off.
I will always remember his kindness and caring towards me when Brett died.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Deirdre Davis
Our condolences to you all.
In reading these notes from the many caring individuals who truly knew Burf, I wished I had known him better myself.
My mother says his presence was large in a room because he was so interesting & sincere (& handsome too!)
My grandfather Clayton Cooper & Burf were first cousins & shared a great love for the outdoors & NL.
Please accept our heartfelt prayers for the loss of such a wonderful man.
Eleanor, Jennifer & Debbie (Cooper)
Patsy So sorry to hear of Burf’s passing it was only a few weeks ago I was messaging you about him. He will be missed by so many people. He sure loved Newfoundland and Labrador. He was such a gentleman. Sincere sympathy to you and the family.
Aunt pat, so sorry to hear of uncle burf’s passing. Thanks to Gina for keeping us informed of our families. You can bet that daddy (Reuben) and Burf are now at their favourite fishing holes….
God Bless – Sue Ploughman-Fix
Doug and I were so sorry to hear of Burf’s recent passing. The tennis community of Newfoundland has lost a giant! No one loved the game more, nor contributed more to it than Burf. Always the gentleman on and off court. I know he will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Doug mourns the loss of another proud and loyal Feildian. Sincere sympathy to you, Patsy, and all the family. Doug and Nancy Cook
Pat & Family
My sincere condolences to you at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers go to all of you as you celebrate the love that he had for each of you.
God Bless
We were saddened to hear of Mr. Ploughman’s passing and do hope that you take comfort in all the great memories you have as a family. May he rest in peace
Donna and Ken.
Pat and family, we are very sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. He lived a full and meaningful life in so many ways and certainly contributed to the betterment of his beloved province.. It was always a pleasure to be in his company and we know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Jim and Michelle Ploughman
Andy to you and all of your siblings and your Mom I send my sincere condolences.. I only met your Dad a few times but that was all I needed to recognize that he was a kind, intelligent, charming, gentle man. I’m sure he’d agree that his greatest legacy is his beautiful family. Hugs to you all.
Condolences to the whole Ploughman family. I have many fond memories of Mr Ploughman from the tennis world over the years. He was a true gentleman on and off the court.
Sincerely,
Karen Manning Snow
Burf was always a welcome sight at industry and business events , which is how I met him about 25 years ago. Never at a loss for words, we had many chats about the fixed link he was so passionate about. We need more like him, who care about our future.
God bless you Burf. Condolences to the family.
Mark. I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I respected your father and the contribution that he made to his community and the province. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Dear Kim and family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Dad! We pray that you will find comfort in the kind and generous words of those who knew him. May you find peace in his memory! Love always.
Pat & Mary
So very sorry for your loss. Playing tennis with and against Burf was a real pleasure and always a fun time. Although a true competitor, he was always a great sport and true gentleman on and off the court. RIP Burf
Patsy & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rest easy Burf.
As one of the original founders of the St. John’s Board of Trade, I am grateful to President Ploughman, Burf, as we all knew him, for may opportunities discuss in violent agreement the issues of the day. He will be missed and his contribution was great!
From another member of the Past Presidents club!
So very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all during this difficult time. RIP Burf
To Patsy and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences as I heard about Burf’s passing. Over the years I have come to know you both very well as you visited your cottage in Fox Cove where you both just beamed with so much joy as you headed “around the point”. Take care of yourselves and I will call you soon.
Dear Patsy and family.
We were saddened to read of Burf’s passing. We always enjoyed our Pine Bud Rd. encounters and conversations, as well as his (and your) letters and radio commentaries. We shall miss his voice of reason and possibilities.
We extend our condolences, Carolyn Emerson and Gloria Montano
Very sorry for your loss – one less sensible voice in a world that needs more of them.
On hearing that Burf has “gone ahead”, in Indigenous phrasing, I remember this warm, funny man, and Patsy – usually in costume – at many New Year’s Eve parties. And I also remember a visit to your Labrador home where I learned from Burf a lot about Straits history, particularly aviation history. His love of land and place were evident. Condolences to all the family.
So sorry to hear of Burfs passing. I am happy to have the memories of the delightful visit Albert and I had with Patsy and Burf in Labrador.
Please accept my sincere condolences Patsy.
So very sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. I worked with Burf at BDC and remember him as a true gentleman who always had a smile and time for a chat. We shared the same birthday ????. He was highly admired as a mentor for small business owners. My sincere condolences to Patsy and the entire family. Rest In Peace dear friend.
I am sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. He was a wonderful human being….I remember Burf clearly from the early age of 16 when I began teaching tennis with the City and then onwards to Greenbelt Tennis Club and the NL Tennis Association. Burf was forever encouraging and supportive. He was a supurb role model and his manner on and off the tennis courts was a true example of a man who enjoyed life to the fullest. I sure loved reading his letters to the Editor of The Telegram….he was such a sincere and outspoken individual. My sincere condolences to his family and friends….may the wonderful memories you shared with him bring you peace and greatfulness.. Bless you all.
To the Ploughman family,
So sad to hear of Burf’s passing. My earliest memories of Burf go back to my days at Brinton Memorial. I thought Kim had the coolest Dad because he had his own TV show. The first celebrity I ever met. Early in my career, I reconnected with Burf in his role running the NL Manufacturers Association (now CME) and we crossed paths many times as we worked on projects together, including the development of a manufacturing industry development strategy for the province in the 1990’s. Later in life, I tried filling very big shoes when I took on the same job at CME after Burf’s retirement. It was there that I started following his advocacy efforts on the fixed link, and other transportation issues critical to the province, and reconnected with Mark, who was an active member of our association.
All the cliches apply to Burf Ploughman. Mind like a steel trap. Dog with a bone. Fierce pride of place. Never one to settle, he had a dogged determination to improve public policy and make his Newfoundland and Labrador a better place. His competitive tennis is legendary, and that same competitive spirit drove his many accomplishments in business and public discourse.
To all the Ploughmans, cherish the memories of Burf. You should be proud of who he was and his legacy. And I look forward to one day driving to the mainland across the J. Burford Ploughman Memorial Link.
I have many fond memories of meeting Burf on the Southern Shore partridge hunting and having a drink in his tiny cabin beside the Cape Race barrens. It was always special to spend time with him.
I am so so sorry to hear of Burf’s passing. I have known Burf since the early 1990’s and worked with him for several years. He was always a gentleman, and a professional and always looked like he stepped out of a fashion magazine. He had a great sense of humour and I am privileged to have known him. The one thing I will always remember is that every single day, before I left to go home from work, he would always say “thank you”. It was such a simple gesture, but it meant so much. It is something I brought over into working with others. My condolences to Patsy and the family..
To Patsy and your family. Sending sincere condolences to you and your family! May time ease your sorrow and memories give you peace! Fern and Ed Lutz
I am saddened to learn about the passing of Burf. I was one of the ones who he doggedly tried to convince to carry the torch for the fixed link. He never let a chance encounter go to waste. He was always a gentleman, warm and kind.
The world is a better place and I am a better person for having known Burf.. May your memories of the good times sustain you in this difficult time and know that Burf was a good man.
Dear Patsy and family, deepest condolences from your old neighbors.
I shared offices with Burf when he was with the Manufacturers Assoc. What a fantastic guy. Always positive, great stories, never a harsh comment, a bottomless pit of knowledge. Sorry for your loss.
Mark I’m very sorry to hear about your dad’s paasing. Condolences from Patricia as well – she spent many hours across the hall from you while visiting with her grandparents.
Take care
John Guzzwell
The best of us! From Browsey Island Pond to Fox Cove and north to Cape Chidley, Burf Ploughman represents the absolute best of us. A visionary and philosopher, a patient man with the mind of a tracker, he was what we should aspire to be. Andy, Bruce, Mark, and Kim. you were drug up well by two of God’s finest! Patsy, you and Burf will always be deeply loved. I am far richer for having you in my life.
I am so very happy to have known Burf and of course the lovely Patsy. And then the Ploughman youngsters. When we were young parents and none of our family was here in St John’s, we often went to Burf and Patsy’s house where they welcomed us with open arms. I’m sure they weren’t always ready for unexpected visitors but I know that’s been passed on. We always see an open door at Mark and Mary’s place. Glad you met Burf and Patsy, glad you are family. Rest In peace Burf.
Patsy and family, as Nancy and I sit here at Fox Cove with the Labrador flag flying at half mast next to your cottage, we feel the loss of an extraordinary man. Burf touched so many with his deep passion, his gentle smile and the way his eyebrows furrowed above those piercing eyes when he was getting engaged in any debate or animated discussion. We always enjoyed his company and we admired how committed you were to him and his care in late years as his health failed. We wish to extend our sincerest condolences! Rest in peace Burf (Mayor of Fox Cove).