Vera Burgess passed away at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital with her family at her side on Saturday, April 11, 2009 after a very brave and long fight against cancer
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Vera is survived by Robert, her husband of 49 years, and by her five children Blair (Karin), Timothy (Lan), Pamela (Michael), Stephanie (Stephen) and Katherine (Christopher). Vera is also survived by her 11 grandchildren, Emma, Taylor and Linnea Burgess; Cameron and Kathleen Burgess; Sarah, Caitlin, Julia and Heidi Schaffler and Hannah and Justin Burgess. Vera also leaves her sisters Eva (George--deceased) and Vera (Carl) and her brother-in-law Richard (Odette) and their respective families.
Burgess was born on March 19, 1939 in Zilina, Czechoslovakia and immigrated to Toronto in 1948. She attended Riverdale Collegiate, the University of Western Ontario and the Ontario College of Art. In addition to raising her large family in Campbellville, Ont. with expert and loving care, Burgess also actively helped manage, own and operate one of the larger standardbred horse breeding operations in Ontario for the past 40 years. Prominent champions included the Hall of Fame stallions Balanced Image and Real Desire and the Hambletonian winners Amigo Hall and Glidemaster. Until the end, Burgess was hands-on and known to all.
In accordance with Burgess' wishes cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of Burgess' life for family and friends on Sunday, April 19, 2009 to be held at the family home from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at 8220 MacArthur Drive, Campbellville (from the 401 go south on Guelph Line to Third Sideroad then east to MacArthur Drive). In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society by calling 1-888-939-3333 or clicking here
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Vera Burgess.
My thoughts and prayers are
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Sincerest condolences to all of the Burgess family.
God Bless
Robin Twaddle
My sincerest condolences go
My sincerest condolences go out to the entire Burgess family. Our families spent many years vacationing in Maine together and some of my fondest childhood moments included all of their family. We also spent many weekends enjoying their family's barn and house. We would often take adventures in the back part of their property and enjoy hanging out in the stables with the horses.
My heart goes out to all of you - Bob, Blair, Tim, Pam, Stephanie and Katherine.
Warmest wishes,
Karen Martin (Bob Bazemore (husband) and Hudson & Kalla Martin-Bazemore)