Gerald Burman

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Gerald Burman, announce his passing on January 27, 2020, at the Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats, SK. Gerald was born in Portage la Prairie on December 7, 1926 to Frank and Alice Burman, one of their seven children. He was raised on the family farm in the Clumber District near Bredenbury, SK.Gerald attended Clumber School until Grade 8. His growing up years were filled with many tasks on the family farm. At the age of nineteen he boarded the train to Flin Flon, MB and worked for a few months delivering water to this growing town's residents.

In October of 1952 Gerald married the love of his life, Darlene Burman (nee Berg). After a year of living in Yorkton, and working for a plumbing company, Gerald and Darlene purchased Darlene's parents' farm, only 2 miles from where Gerald had grown up. Darlene and Gerald, like most young farming couples, worked hard to "make a go of it" while raising three children. They continued to build on the friendships that had developed in their earlier years. Together they played an important role in their small farming community.

While Gerald worked his farm, his brother, Norman, gradually took over the running of the original Burman farm. The two brothers, Norman and Gerald, worked harmoniously, sharing equipment and the work load of both properties until Norman's passing in 1980. Gerald definitely had a love for the land he worked but he had a soft spot for the cows he raised. He liked nothing better than welcoming the newborn calves in the spring and many times he nursed a newborn along until it was well enough to join the herd.

Gerald had many hobbies. He enjoyed reading. He was an avid curler and liked to boast that at one time, his team wasn't allowed to enter a bonspiel because they'd be sure to win. He continued to enjoy watching curling on TV and at the community rink.  He liked nothing better than to have a fishing rod in his hand and always wanted an update on anyone's fishing outing. He also liked hunting and controlling the gopher population on his land, often with the help of a couple of his grandsons. A lifetime of farming taught him many skills like carpentry and repairing equipment, and he liked inventing gizmos that you couldn't buy in any store.

He had a "gift of the gab". He enjoyed a good conversation, often centred around farming and sporting events. He loved reminiscing about funny happenings, often chuckling so hard he could hardly make it through the telling of the story.

Community was important to Gerald. He was on the Knox United Church board for several years, helped coach his kids' hockey and ball teams, and assisted with several  building projects including building the cupboards in the Bredenbury Skating rink.Family was the centre of Gerald's life. He taught life values through example. He loved to joke and tease, especially with his grandkids. Gerald was a kind and humble man. He tried to hide his warm heart through a gruff manner but those who knew and loved him saw right through.

In January of 2018 Gerald's world crashed when he lost his wife of 65 years.

Gerald leaves to mourn his passing his two daughters,  Penny (Charlie) LaRocque of Brandon, MB, and Pat (Daryl) Rowland of Prince Albert; his son Gary (Barb) of Bredenbury; 7 grandsons and their spouses/partners, 1 granddaughter, and 9 great-grandchildren. Also mourning his loss are Gerald's sisters Lynn Taylor of Regina, and Audrey (Bill) Stricker of Maple Creek,SK; his sisters-in-law Helen Burman of Calgary, Arlene (Ray) Lemchuk of Yorkton and Vicky Kohnen of Melville and brother-in-law Gordon (Pat) Berg of Regina, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, longtime friends, community members and many of the staff and residents of Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats.

Gerald's family would like to thank the Lakeside Manor staff for the care they provided and the connection they made with Gerald during his almost three year stay. Their support, concern and comfort extended to Gerald, and his family, during his final days were exemplary and so greatly appreciated. A celebration of Gerald's life will be held on Saturday, February 1 at 2:00 at the Knox United Church in Bredenbury. Lunch to follow at the Bredenbury Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to STARS Air Ambulance or Bredenbury Knox United Church.

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