Obituary of William (Bill) Bursey

Bursey, William (Bill)

With heavy hearts we announce the unexpected passing on July 22^nd, 2023, of our Dad, Pop, brother and friend at the age of 81.

Bill was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Betty (Pennell), in 2011, and his parents; William and Minnie Bussey, Lester Leblanc, and Geraldine McClurg (Bursey).

Leaving with many unforgettable stories and memories are sons Greg (Jeannette), Rod (Georgina), and daughter Cherie (Rod Cable);his dearly loved grandchildren Mitchell, Gillian, Tori, and Tyra; sisters Betty French, Olga Martin, Patti Daley (Jim), Carol Hobbs (Ed), Gail McClurg (Philip); brothers Brian Leblanc, Chris Leblanc (Susie) and Jim McClurg (Sharon); sisters-in-law Elaine Summers and Judy Pennell (Jim);special friend Dorothy Wade; as well as many other relatives and friends with whom he shared his love, friendship, support and camaraderie.

Many thanks for the care of Dr. Greg Sutton and numerous other doctors and medical professionals who helped him stretch out his later years.

Dad’s life is a story, one with twists and turns, ups and downs, highs and lows.Many worldly challenges came his way but he never failed to make it through to a better place with the love and support of family and friends, hard work, and perseverance. In his early teens, he and his sisters Betty and Olga lost their father, but the love of their mother kept the family together. He kept his connections with his birth family, working in the fishing and food business, but soon found his life-long love and partner, Betty, and her family in Kelligrews. He soon after took a job as a welder and so began a storied journey as a “Man of Steel”, as once dubbed by a local paper. While raising his family with Betty, he worked for large companies building structures all over Newfoundland, and after a period his drive and determination were tapped into by an offshore oil services company, an industry that he thrived in. Eventually, at the age of 50, when others get to thinking of folding their tents, he embarked on his most passionate career decision and started Bursey Manufacturing, and over time he and Betty left a trail of BMI tanks all over the province and beyond while building a business and legacy that lives strong today.

In the midst of all of this, Dad found time for many other things. He acted on his long-held desire to find his birth father and connect with siblings on both sides. In doing so, he expanded his family to another 6 brothers and sisters and their families, with whom he loved and enjoyed every opportunity to connect with.

He loved his leisurely pursuits; his cabin and later his trailer, his side by side, wintering in Florida, hunting, and snowmobiling. And of course, his Dodge trucks with as many bells and whistles as possible. He was a social person and truly enjoyed having a crowd around at his place or anywhere else, and cherished the many friends and acquaintances made over the years.

He was also community minded. Most notably he was a long-time member of the CLB, was once Captain of Foxtrap Company, and a current member of the Old Comrades. He was a long serving member of the Kiwanis Club of Kelligrews and served as President. And he was the dedicated and very proud first Chief of the Conception Bay South Volunteer Fire Department, now a professional force, and one who honoured him by using his likeness in a bronze bust at the Monument of Honour in the centre of CBS which is dedicated to the memory of first responders.

He will be missed and leaves us all with many lessons, among them to never give up, and to live life as if you are going to live forever.

Visitation will be held at the James J. Hickey Memorial Funeral Home, Kelligrews on Wednesday July 26^th at 3-8pm, and Thursday July 27^th at 3-8pm. The funeral service will be at All Saint’s Anglican Church, Foxtrap, CBS on Friday July 28^th, 2023 at 1 pm. Interment will follow at the Anglican Cemetery, Dunn’s Hill Road, Foxtrap, CBS.

In lieu of flowers, donations to his memory can be made to All Saints Anglican Parish CBS at donations@allsaintsparish.ca, Health Care Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the charity of your choice.

To sign the guest registry, or to send a message of condolence, please visitwww.hickeysfuneralhome.ca To view the funeral service LIVE, please visit www.facebook.com/AllSaints AnglicanChurchCBS