With love and pride we remember the full and wonderful life of Tom Burns, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 78. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Tom’s warmth, strength and love touched everyone who knew him.
Tom is predeceased by his parents Jim and Elsie (Mackie) Burns and daughter Krista Burns (Ray St. Louis). Left to mourn are his wife of 55 years Carol (Thorpe), daughter Jennifer Burns, son-in-law Gaetan Lemieux, grandchildren Daniel Burns and Elisabeth Lemieux and great-granddaughter Aliyah, siblings Edith (Grant, deceased) Sutherland (Thunder Bay), Jim (Rowena) Burns (Perth, Australia) and Rob (Dorothy) Burns (Okotoks, AB) and many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by close friends Jane and Dave Pelletier, whom we thank for their unwavering support over the last 40 years.
Born in Geraldton Ontario, Tom joined the RCMP after graduating from high school and proudly served for 36 years, followed by 10 years at Transport Canada (National Security). Having lived in Kemptville, Sault Ste. Marie and Montreal, his last transfer was to Ottawa, where he retired. In his early years he was a member of the Kemptville Kinsmen Club, and later the Kemptville Lions Club. He relished family time – skiing, snowmobiling, biking, boating, camping, fishing and teaching family and friends how to fish. For 25 years he enjoyed spending his summers at Rideau Mac Resort on Big Rideau Lake, where he formed lasting friendships.
Tom knew Carol was “the one”, having proposed after only 6 weeks of dating. Married in 1969, they welcomed twin daughters in 1971.
Tom was incredibly proud not only of his girls, but also of his grandchildren and their accomplishments, supporting and encouraging them in their journey to adulthood.
Family and friends are invited to Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), for a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 1 p.m. in Beechwood's Sacred Space, followed by a Reception. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation or the Ottawa Food Bank.
Digital Guestbook
Barbara Murphy
Sandy Murphy
A beautiful beautiful ceremony.
Very emotional.
He would be so proud of you all.
❤️ Sandy M.
Brent Kelly and Karen Mondoux
Our deepest condolences for your loss.
The Baillie Family
Our deepest condolences to the Burns family. We used to live a block or two away from you. While growing up in North Bay, as kids our mom Audrey, and father Robert Burns Baillie spoke about Tom and we're so very proud of him. Not that long ago, Audrey told me if I get a call from the RCMP. Much to my relief, Audrey said don't worry about it, the Burns family was working on a family tree. I wish we knew the Burns family better, wish I was able to spend more time getting to know Tom. God Bless the Burns family during this difficult time.
Summers at Rideau Mac fond memories of spending time with Tom and Carol, my sincere sympathy to the family on Tom's.passing