Obituary of Jeffrey Robert BURRIS

March 5, 1991 – June 21, 2021  

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son and brother, Jeffrey Burris, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 30 on Monday, June 21, 2021. 
 
Jeff was born March 5, 1991 in Vancouver, BC, moving with his family at ten months of age to Calgary, AB, where he grew up with his two sisters. Jeff was a very conscientious student who excelled in school. From the beginning of his school years he would come home and immediately attend to homework, eager to have it completed. He played volleyball and badminton on school teams and outside of school was a talented artist and guitar player. Jeff graduated from Bishop Grandin High School, studied Science at Mount Royal University and went on to graduate from SAIT in Mechanical Engineering Technologies. 
  
Jeff was the cherished son of Terri (Nickerson) and Gord Burris, and the loving brother of Christie and Sarah Burris. Margaret (“Oma”) Nickerson of Kamloops, BC is his only surviving grandparent. Jeff was predeceased by his grandparents, Jean and Stewart Burris, Ralph Nickerson, and Ruth (Rittenhouse) and Red Esson; as well as his adored Auntie Laurie Hill and Uncle John Burris. Jeff will be dearly missed by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and second cousins on both sides of the family residing in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, the United States, Mexico, and as far away as Seoul, Korea.  
  
Jeff was a sweet, gentle, kind, loving soul, who dearly loved his family and spending time at the family cabin at Shuswap Lake, BC. A unique and special bond was formed growing up with his cousins, neighbours and friends; spending sunny days in the boat, swimming out at the old raft, and playing in the woods. Jeff was a strong water skier, barefooter, wakeboarder, and wakesurfer, and was especially talented on the SkySki (“aka Airchair”). Evenings were spent roasting marshmallows around the fire, line dancing, playing cards, playing kick-the-can or lying on the beach watching the stars. Jeff played soccer as a young boy, enjoyed skateboarding, and loved to snowboard with his family and friends at Sunshine and Lake Louise. Auntie Laurie’s home was a very special place for Jeff, spending hours in the pool with his cousins in the spring and summer, and celebrating many Christmases together. 
 
Jeff’s most memorable vacation was travelling to Playa del Carmen, appreciating to the fullest, the history and architecture of the Mayan ruins. Jeff loved snorkelling in the Caribbean, swimming through cenotes, ziplining, and was exceptionally grateful for Auntie Suzie’s cooking.  
 
Although only thirty at the time of his death, Jeff’s nature affected many people in his lifetime. Jeff will be most remembered for his warm smile, loving hugs and kind, gentle soul.  “I love you” was easy for Jeff to say and he always meant it. His hugs always made you feel loved and lucky to have him with you. Jeff had so much goodness, an immense capacity for love, and was looking forward to a bright future. The world will be a lesser place without him. 
  
Please join us for Funeral Services held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 2:00  p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Jeffrey Burris, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th STREET SE, CALGARY, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.
 

Jeffrey's memorial card can be viewed using this link