RAMON CLIFFORD BURRON

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

• Dear Norma, Kim and Lisa. Allow me to express my deepest condolences in the passing of your husband and father. I first met Ray 46 years ago, when he had the misfortune of being my home room teacher at Hugh John McDonald Junior High School. "Mr. Burron" was such a nice, polite, gentle man in this chaotic (at the time) school, that I remember thinking, 'this poor guy isn't going to make it here.' Fast forward five years and as I was dating my future wife, our paths crossed again at Calvary Temple where I learned Ray and Norma knew my in-laws. Attendance at Calvary Temple over the years and watching Ray's involvement with the church showed me the strong Christians Norma and Ray were. Throughout the years, I would occasionally see Ray at Burron Lumber. Usually it was when I was busy with a project and required a deal on a door or window. He would never disappoint and it was during these times that I would learn how much he was involved in helping other underprivileged countries in the role as God's servant. I loved our all too infrequent talks because not only was he a man of God but he was a wise and interesting conversationalist with a sense of humor. I recollect dropping in to see him this past summer. Ray was so animated, excitedly informing me of how he was learning to speak Spanish and about what his next trip to Cuba entailed and all related with his ever present impish grin. Even though I am much older than my Junior High School days, Ray never stopped calling me "Joey." I must say that I got a kick out of that because that would remind me of the days in Junior High....and of a gentle man who is now one of the Lords' fiercest soldiers. Norma, please know that my prayers are with you and your family. - Posted by: Joe Bussoli (Friend) on: Dec 10, 2014

• Dear Norma, We are sorry to read about Ramon's death. Our prayers and sympathy are with you and your family. We fondly remember the time we shared in the Gideon ministry. So good to read of Ramon's continued involvements in telling others about God's love. With love and prayers, Victor and Elvira Lysack - Posted by: Victor and Elvira Lysack (friends) on: Dec 10, 2014

• I was shocked to hear of Ray's passing. We were such good friends, are so many years when we were in our teens and attended Calvary Temple in Winnipeg. He used to drive his dad's car. It was a big Buick and we had so much fun and enjoyment with him for so many years. Just this past week I was telling my wife that we should constantly keep in mind that it is best to keep our communications with her old friends, and I mentioned Ray to her, saying that one of these days I should call him and just let him know that I was thinking of him. We used to drive up and down Portage Avenue and along Main Street and go to the various fast food places together. Many will remember that most of us had customized convertibles and other customized cars and it would be just like a parade going down the main streets of Winnipeg, like Portage Avenue all the way to the doghouse in the West End then turning around and going all the way down Main Street in going to Selkirk and other places like that for foot-long hot dogs. The last time I saw Ray was a few years ago just shortly after my wife passed away. He was still the same character as he always was. We always enjoyed each other's company so much and it will always be a memory that I will treasure. Today I am scolding myself for not having phoned him when I thought about him. We are now in a age group where the time had for us is much shorter than the time that we have passed through. Let me take this opportunity to pass on my condolences to his family, but at the same time to say hello to so many of the young people reach underground with, enjoyed the Friday night evenings at the church with all of the Christ's ambassadors. We so much enjoyed the baseball games on Monday nights in the park in Winnipeg and so many of the other activities of the time. As teenagers and young people we lived in a very special time such as was not known to most of the kids before us, and is somewhat escaped the next generations after us. It is difficult to know what to say at this point to the family and especially to his wife. Even though I have gone through the death of my first spouse just a few weeks after we were married, and then my second spouse who died from undetermined causes, I still find it difficult to know exactly what are the right things to say, because sometimes there just is nothing more to say than to say how sorry we feel for those who are left behind, so the best I can say, is, my condolences to you and may God be with you through this very difficult time. John Baloun - Posted by: John Baloun (Friend) on: Dec 08, 2014

• To the Burron Family, Norman, Kim and Lisa. My deepest sympathies to you and the entire Burron Family. I have done business with Ray for the last several years, and truly enjoyed my relationship with Ray. Ray was a fantastic, charismatic and honest person, who's conversations I greatly enjoyed. I respect Ray like few others in our business and am truly sad to see a leader and pillar in our community gone. My prayers are with you and your entire family, along with the staff at Burron Lumber, Keith especially. Please know your in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Don Rempel (Friend) on: Dec 08, 2014

• It's with great surprise Norma and daughters Kim and Lisa, we heard the passing of your dear husband, and father, Ray. Always thought of Ray as one of the pillars of the church. Good byes are never easy, but we know he is with the Lord and the family will be reunited 'forever'. Will pray the Lord sustain you with faith and courage as you go through this difficult time together. Our love and prayers for you Norma, Lisa and Kim. - Posted by: Grace. Gus Kokoschke (Sherry & Denise's Mom) (acquaintence) on: Dec 07, 2014

• Dear, dear Norma and family It is with sad hearts that we heard of Ray's passing. Another patriarch gone from earth and present with the Lord. We are so thankful for knowing Ray and watching him serve the Lord in so many ways over so many years. It's hard to believe that only last Sunday we saw him standing, with arms crossed, watching each server, to ensure that communion was served to everyone. Funny, but I look for you and Ray in your pew every Sunday. We have fond memories of being in your cottage with you (and without you!). We laugh when we remember Mr. Burron's stories. He would tell them SO seriously, with his larger than life personality and his deep voice; David was spellbound and thought that Mr. B. was maybe a part of the mafia (we cleared that up, Norma!). I recall when David was busy with kids' camp that you, Norma, took Tim and me to Brandon and Tim still recalls the G.I. Joe action figure you bought him AND the ice cream, of course. I think that Dad and Ray will be having some great conversations around the throne; they had quite an appreciation of each other here. Dad was SO appreciative of all of Ray's help when the flood of our refugees came in. Isn't it wonderful how God uses the imperfect when we allow Him. And now he is perfected because of God's grace. Norma we pray God's comfort, peace and loving arms around you, Kim, Lisa and your whole family. How wonderful to know you and they will all see Dad and Grandpa again. God IS faithful. Much love and prayers Gary, Shirley, David and Tim Vickery - Posted by: Shirley Vickery (friend) on: Dec 07, 2014

• So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Burron. He was my teacher at Hugh John McDonald. He was the best teacher. Later to find out in life he was a church going man. Meeting with him again spent time with Ray at Burron Lumber and with my husband sharing our faith. I met his mother at New Day how lovely she was and so friendly. My pleasure knowing Ray Burron and his Mom. - Posted by: Helen Johnson (student) on: Dec 07, 2014

• My condolences to his family, will miss the talks we had when I would stop by the lumber yard. He was a great man. Dan Swedlo - Posted by: Dan Swedlo (contractor from years gone by) on: Dec 07, 2014

• Dearest Norma, Kimmy and Lisa, I am so, so, so sad to hear that Ray passed away. It feels like yesterday that we were working together in the lumberyard, I think Kim was around 11 and Lisa around 8. I'd like you all to know how special Ray was to me. He was the biggest influence on my life aside from my dad. He was my employer and boss and he was also my mentor. Ray showed me the inside of business, taught me how to negotiate and most importantly showed me time and again you never have to take no for an answer. He was creative and ingenious and would turn problems on their head. Oh yeah, and he taught me the value of cash too and the importance of being a stand-up guy. After losing my dad so early, Ray was God-sent to me. His actions and comments and personality have percolated through my life and now indirectly through the lives of my kids. Every time I'd pass the lumberyard on Lagimodiere, I would smile at the memories I have from attending Ray Burron Lumber University. As we went separate ways, I'm not sure Ray really knew how much I loved him and the impact he had on my life. Today, as I enjoy my own humble prosperity, I owe it, and more, to Ray. Sometimes I find myself using his expressions like "You got a real head on your shoulders - I can see it from here," or "Is your bra on too tight?" and my favourite "You have the best brain here - it's never been used." As I headed out the door after work, almost every day, Ray would yell "Hey, Mike" I'd turn around and he'd say "You're the best!" We enjoyed many lunches and brunches together, especially fond were the Sunday brunches at the Holiday Inn with Norma and the girls. Ray was a giant man with a matching persona who left much influence behind, influences rippling through the lives of the many who were lucky to know and work with him. In a world that needs more good men, Ray was a good man, and it's tragic that he's now passed on. My son David spent time at your summer cottage. I was thrilled he could hang with the man and the family who had taught me so much. I'm especially thankful to Norma for introducing me to my first wife with whom together we have three wonderful children and two grandchildren. Hey, Norma! You're the best! I'm happy for you Norma, Kim and Lisa, that you were able to have Ray for as long as you did and sad that you've now lost him. Take comfort in the many and wonderful memories of Ray as husband, dad and friend. Please pass on my condolences to Floyd and Gloria and Norm though they may not remember me. God bless you in this time and lean on His strength to get through the hard emotional times ahead. From my family to yours, we wish the very best for you. - Posted by: michael seaman (friend) on: Dec 06, 2014

• Betty and I have many fond memories of Ray. Memories such as curling and coffee times afterwards--golfing in Tuxedo, Killarney & Boisevain --driving a Burron lumber truck to the lake loaded with lumber for our cottage or lunch at our favorite restaurant after church services. We will miss Ray greatly. Norma our prayers and love are with you and the family. - Posted by: Gordon & Betty Griggs (good friends) on: Dec 06, 2014