RUSSELL BURKITT

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RUSSELL BURKITT August 2, 1921 - May 20, 2015 Russell Alfred Burkitt, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 20, 2015 at the Pembina Manitou Care Home in Manitou, Manitoba. Russell was born August 2, 1921 to Alfred and Myrtle (Armstrong) Burkitt in Thornhill, Manitoba, second oldest of five children. Russell served in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Second World War Third Division of the Royal Canadian Signals Corps. and returned home in 1944 after significant injuries. In 1945, after recovering from his war injuries, Russell married his long time sweetheart Edna Lechner and they began farming. He retired from farming in 1962 and worked several jobs until he began a long career with the pipeline where he worked until his retirement. Russell loved to fly and was one of the co-founders of what is now the Morden Flying club. He loved spending time with his family and friends, travelling, curling and dancing. In his later years, he enjoyed reading Louis Lamour books, watching sports and listening to music. Russell is survived by his son Barry (Joanne) Burkitt; daughter Dianne Burkitt; daughter Heather (Dennis) Titchkosky; daughter-in-law Terry Burkitt; grandchildren, Cindy (Gerry) Rigby; Shari (Don) Chartier; Corey (Della) Burkitt; Garett Burkitt; Lisa (Bernie) Wilson; Jason (Nancy) Dreger; Colin (Lianne) Titchkosky; Evan (Cheryl) Titchkosky; and great-grandchildren, Derek, Kaitlin, Christian, Hope, Brianne, Dillin, Britini, Corbin, Issac, Jade, Hailey, Danica, Brayden and numerous nieces and nephews. Russell was preceded in death by his brothers, Elmer, George and twin Edgar, sister Mildred, his son Brian G. Burkitt in 1986, his wife Edna (nee Lechner) in 2006 and daughter-in-law Barbara (nee Winter) Burkitt in 2007. A celebration of life service was held at Wiebe Funeral Chapel in Morden. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South Central Cancer Resource Centre in Morden. Those wishing to sign the guest book may do so online at http://www.wiebefuneralhomes.com/obituaries/2015/2497-russell-burkitt Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden in care of arrangements, wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2015