Obituary of John Burrows

BURROWS - Jacks On April 28th at Toronto Western Hospital, Jack passed away unexpectedly but peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years Elaine (Strachan) and his four children Patti Callahan (Mike), Debbie Hudson (Bob), Jim (Michele) and Mary Beth Pilson (Peter). Also survived by eleven grandchildren Tim and Jake Callahan, Laura and David and Cameron Hudson, Graham and Taylor Burrows, Jamie and Jeff Cable and Sadie and Matthew Pilson. Jack also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Brother to Beth Sherman (Earl) and predeceased by his parents Harvey and Sadie. Jack was born on November 18th, 1931 in North Bay where he attended both elementary and high school. He attended Ryerson and returned to North Bay to successfully run his family's business until he entered into municipal politics in 1989. He served North Bay for fifteen years as both Deputy Mayor and Mayor. He retired from political life in 2003 but continued his public service by sitting on numerous boards and committees. Jack grew up on Cassells Street where he forged strong friendships that continued throughout his life. He was an avid sports enthusiast and played on the H.E.Brown Supply fastball team which won the provincial championship in 1957. His interest in local sports never waivered and he was a regular spectator at a variety of sporting events, many of which involved his grandchildren. Subsequently he was awarded the Friend of Sport through the North Bay Hall of Fame, where he sat as a board member for many years. One of his most recent accomplishments was the formation of the North Bay and Area Community Foundation. Jack was dedicated to helping non-profit organizations realize their goals by providing financial assistance and community awareness. On the occasion of his eightieth birthday, the Jack Burrows Fund was incorporated into the foundation as a tribute. He was humbled by the honour. He was actively involved with the North Bay Rotary Club and served as past president. Jack was also a long time member of Calvin Presbyterian Church. For many years Jack served on a variety of boards which included the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, the Civic Hospital Board and the YMCA. He received many honours which included the position of Honorary Colonel for the 22 Wing, Kiwanis Citizen of the Year and most recently he was the recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. Jack loved to spend time at the cottage with his children and grandchildren and enjoyed so many special occasions with his family. We will miss the wonderful trips to Florida and the sound of his beloved Blue Jay's baseball games always in the background. The Burrows family will receive friends at the Martyn Funeral Home on Thursday afternoon and evening from 2 - 4 & 7- 9pm. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held in Calvin Presbyterian Church at 11:00am on Friday May 3, 2013. Cremation will follow. If desired donations to the Jack Burrow's Fund of the North Bay and Area Community Foundation or Calvin Presbyterian Church will be gratefully acknowledged as expressions of sympathy. Online condolences may be offered at www.martynfh.com