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June 3, 1939 - November 30, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ernie Burtniak at his home in Abbotsford on November 30, 2018 from prostate cancer. Ernie was born on June 3, 1938 in the Mossey River Municipality near the village of Fork River, Manitoba.

Ernie is predeceased by his parents John and Beatrice Burtniak. He is survived by his wife Arlene (Doyle) and son Randy from Saskatoon, sisters Dolly (Bob) McTavish and Hope Montess, sister-in-law Colleen (David) Kuzyk and brothers-in-law Rodger (Marilyn) Doyle, Jim (Aline) Doyle and Vernon Doyle. Nieces and nephews were always special to him - Laurie, Rob, Michael, Jonathan, April, Stephan, Aaron, Lindsey, Jessica, Bradley, Martial, Shannon, Theo and Annika.

Ernie loved adventure. His first job was in Frobisher Bay, NWT on the DEW Line. After spending a year as a permit teacher he enrolled at Manitoba Teachers' College and later at U of M for a B.A. and B.Ed. He taught seven years in rural Manitoba and then ventured to Whitehorse, Yukon where he spent seven more years. It is there that he met his wife, Arlene, teaching in the same school. Together they taught for two years in Brisbane, Australia. Ernie finished his teaching career with two more years in the Yukon and the remainder in Saskatchewan.

In 1993 Abbotsford became home. Of all the places Ernie lived he always said he loved Abbotsford the best. It was his wish to have no formal service. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.

The family is grateful to Dr. Burns, Dr. Vrabec, Dr. Keith, Dr. Sia, the nurses and staff at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre and the Palliative Home Care nurses and caregivers who cared for him so compassionately during the past five years.



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