Obituary of William Basil Burak
BURAK, William - In his 94th year. Born March 3, 1924 in the hamlet of Maleb Manitoba. Dearest Husband of Fleurette Rose Burak (nee Roberge) of 65+ years. Predeceased by his parents Stephan Burak and Christina Burak (nee Wladyka); His 6 sisters: Anne Keryluk, Mary Sokal, Jessie Dell, Pauline Spakowski, Jean Zagrodnick and Kay Rondeau. Loving father of 7 children: Ron (SWEDE) Burak (Linda); Paulette Burak; Jean Paul (J.P.) Burak (Sue); Suzanne Lamers (Mike); Phil Burak; Jeannette Burak (Tony) and Robert Burak (Patti). 20 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Bill had a very full life. He started out as a prospector and assessor staking claims throughout Northern Ontario. Bill worked in logging camps, built the railway from Sept Isles (Seven Islands) to Knob Lake (Schefferville) and worked in open pit mining where he had the distinction of supervising the opening of mines in Wabush Labrador, Labrador City, Bancroft, Capreol and New Sudbury. He turned down transfers to work Stateside and decided to move his wife and 7 children to a small hobby farm in Beamsville. Bill began his successful trucking business until 1981 where he "pulled the plug" as he liked to say. At retirement he and Fleurette operated a B&B in North Bay for nearly 20 years and then fully retired in St. Catharines in1998.Pa was always ready with ("it’s none of my business but.....") help with decision making. Evidence of his creativity in fixing things and repairs around the house was everywhere. The use of tape and wire predated even the Red Green show!!! He passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Hospice Niagara. Thank you to Dr. Nolan and Dr. Kerley as well as the staff at Hospice Niagara for their excellent love and care of Pa by creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Pa will be missed by those he touched in his life. We will always LOVE you PA. Cremation has taken place. There will be a Celebration of Bill's Life at Hospice Niagara, 403 Ontario Street, St. Catharines on Friday, December 15th from 12:30p.m. - 1:30p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Denis Church or Hospice Niagara would be appreciated by the family.