Memories and Celebrations of Life:
Arthur Emery Burnell "Uncle Art"
February 25, 1940 - February 11, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Arthur Emery Burnell “Uncle Art” share the news of Art’s sudden passing on February 11, 202 at the MenoYaWin Health Centre, at the age of 80, which he was very proud of reaching that milestone.
Art was born on January 25, 1940 in Ghost River, Ontario to parents Bud and Jane Burnell (deceased). Art was preceded by his parents, a brother in infancy and brother Buster Burnell in 1999. Art is survived by sisters Eloise Kingswood of British Columbia, Simone (Roy) and Diana of Thunder Bay, Ontario, sister in law Cindy Burnell of Kenora, Ontario, Son Richard (Karen), Daughter Cindy (Steve) Harasen of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Stepsons, Dave (Lana), Tim (Gina), 10 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews throughout Canada and the United States. Arts extended family in Sioux Lookout were George Samuel (Arlene-deceased), Steve Samuel (Glendene), (Stephanie Samuel, Alexander Samuel and AJ Schardt), Charlene Samuel (John Cummine) and JW Cummine (Heather) and great great Uncle to Cody Cummine. Art had a great love for all creatures big and small and was Uncle Art to all of the Samuel family pets and will be missed dearly by Georges dog Annie for whom Art baked cookies for and took for car rides.
In Arts early years he lived in Ghost River, Fowler, Wycliffe, Robinson, Alcona, and Mabella, before going to Thunder Bay to attend Hillcrest High School. In 1956 Art began working at Jessimen Motors, then in 1961 left to work at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital where he obtained his certification as a Registered Nurses Assistant. In 1973, he moved to Winnipeg where he drove for Grey Goose Bus Lines for a brief period. Art then moved to Vancouver Island for 10 years working for Genstar Corp. and the Cowichan District School Board. In 1985 Art moved back to Sioux Lookout as he missed the winters. There Art worked in the Maintenance department of what was then the Sioux Lookout District Health Centre, then left to work at William George Extended Care facility until his retirement in 1998. Art then went to work at the Sioux Lookout Funeral Home on a part time basis until his final retirement in 2005.
When Art moved back to Sioux Lookout he began camping and fishing again. His claim to fishing fame is all the fish he caught off the dock at the Samuel Camp on Lac Seul. If he was not at camp and fishing he could be found in his garden or tending to his plants on the deck. None of the goodies from the garden was ever wasted as Art loved to cook and bake which was a benefit for all those around him. Especially the Samuel kids who loved his Salsa. Art looked forward to visits from son Rick and grand dog Earle and took him all over Sioux Lookout to meet his friends and extended family. His family and extended family were very important to Art and so it was no surprise when his sister Eloise came to visit that family suppers and gatherings were a priority for him so that the special people in his life would get to meet and establish a further friendship and family bond. Art made friends with all around him including the pets in his building where he lived. Family always new when xmas was coming as Uncle Art would call to let us know his neighbours dog, Jack was in his Santa Suit. Art loved talking with people and sharing his knowledge, experiences and his stories and he will be missed by many.
At Arts request Cremation has taken place and there was no service. Internment of Ashes at a later date with his family. If friends so desire, donations in his name can be made to the William A George Extended Care through the Sioux Lookout Funeral Home, Box 1449, Sioux Lookout, Ontario P8T 1B9. Internment of ashes will be at a later date with Arts family and extended family.
Arts family and extended “Sioux Lookout” family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and expressions of sympathy during this difficult time.