Bertram Burridge

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of the late Bertram Burridge (Jr.) announces his passing at Pleasant View Towers in St. John’s on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the age of 81 years.

Born in McIvers, Bay of Islands, Bert was the second oldest of nine children of the late Bertram and Matilda Burridge.

He was preceded in death by his soulmate and the love of his life, his wife Linda; his sister, Verna; his father- and mother-in-law Ralph and Diana; brothers-in-law Luke Park, Wallace Park, Edmund Blanchard and David Touchings; and sisters-in-law Madeline Swyer and Marie Park.

Bert will be forever loved and missed by his daughter and best friend Catherine Anne (Shawn). Mourning, with very fond memories are his brothers Benjamin (Doilie), Carson (Sheila), Derek (Diane), Warwick (Beverley), Calvin (Judy), and sisters Marion and Joan (Maurice). He will also be sadly missed by his brother-in-law Richard (Ethel), Howard Swyer; and sisters-in-law Laverne Blanchard, Irene (Spencer) House, Beverley Park and Regina Park. Bert also leaves to mourn many adoring nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

After graduating high school, Bert went to Memorial University where he obtained his BA and BEd degrees. He taught in Robinsons, Summerside, later assumed principalship role (after his father retired) in McIvers, and eventually ended his career in Meadows. He loved children.

In his retirement, Bert loved getting wood for his wood stoves. He would go “up over the hill” behind his home and cut his cords of wood for the winter. Family and friends who visited him would always comment that the heat in the house was “enough to stifle you.” Nonetheless, it corresponded with the warmth and welcoming nature of the occupant. Bert loved animals and birds, especially the latter. He could name the birds by their songs and loved to hear them singing around his house. If a bird flew into one of his windows, he would cup it in his hands to keep it warm and would ensure its protection until it regained its strength and was able to fly again.

A great conversationalist, Bert loved to sit and chat about current events, as well as his beloved Leafs over coffee. He loved to travel, and when he was not in the woods, he could be found sitting in his Lazy Boy by the fireplace reading his stack of travel brochures. He loved to recount his travel adventures to family and tell them about the many interesting people he met. His favorite type of travel was cruises.

Bert will be remembered by his family as a gentle and insightful father, brother and friend who loved his family so much. The eternal optimist, Bert believed in looking at the brighter side of life. He was always complimentary to others, telling you he loved what you were wearing, or how nice your hair looked. He made you feel like you were the only person in the room. He was happy, and certainly did his best to make others feel happy as well.

Bert’s family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff of 1SW and 2NW in Pleasant View Towers for their care and compassion these past few years.

Cremation has taken place. Interment and a celebration of Bert’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bert’s memory can be made to a charity of one’s own choice.

Dad, we can only hope that your “cruise” into the next world will be as happy and loving as your experience in this one. No doubt, with all your wisdom, stories and opinions, you will leave your mark.