Obituary of Brian Burns

On Tuesday morning, June 5, 2007, the Rev. Brian Burns, of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), embraced Sister Bodily Death at the age of 55 years. Father Brian was born in Aylmer, Quebec, to Charles and Genevieve (nee Dupuis) Burns. He entered the Franciscan community in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, in 1980 and received his theological education at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Alberta. Father Brian was solemnly professed in 1985 and ordained a priest at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, in Edmonton, Alberta in 1986. He pursued further studies in Washington, D.C., and graduated with a Licentiate in Canon Law. Father Brian’s Franciscan life and ministry was spent in a variety of capacities. He taught Canon Law (Newman Theological College), served on the Regional Marriage Tribunal in Edmonton and in Vancouver, and ministered in a number of parishes (Christ the King Parish, Regina, SK; St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Vancouver, BC; St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish and St. Mark’s Chapel, Vancouver, BC). As well, for more than ten years, Father Brian cared for the spiritual needs of the many people who came to Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, in Cochrane, Alberta. He is best remembered for the time and energy he gave to those in the A.A. program. Father Brian is survived by his twin brother Bruce and his wife Ferne Langen; his sister Bonnie and her husband George Board; his sister Roberta (Bobbie); his brother Barry and his wife Kathleen Stewart; his youngest brother Bernard; two nieces; four nephews; and his many Franciscan brothers. A Memorial Mass will be Concelebrated at St. Mark’s College Chapel, Vancouver, BC, on Monday, June 11, 2007, at 7:00 p.m., with the Rev. Paul Smith, OFM, and Franciscan brothers, Presiders. A Mass of the Resurrection will be Celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, (10 Riverheights Drive, Cochrane, AB), on Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at 7:30 p.m., with the Rev. Dennis Vavrek, OFM, Provincial Minister of the Franciscan Friars of Western Canada, Presider. Graveside will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the Franciscan Cemetery, at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Cochrane, AB. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, P.O Box 430, Cochrane, Alberta, T4C 1A6. In living memory of the Rev. Brian Burns, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.