OSCAR BURNELL

Sadly, the family announces the passing of Oscar Emery Burnell, 77, of Emo, Ont., on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at La Verendrye Hospital, Fort Frances, Ont.
Oscar was born Jan. 3, 1937 in Middlebro, Man. to Robert and Eleanor Burnell.
He left home at the age of 11 to work on a farm to help support his large family. He also worked in Alberta and in the Minaki area.
Oscar lived in Manitoba until 1960, when he moved to Nestor Falls, Ont. for employment, where he met the love of his life, Carol Robinson, at the camp they were both working at.
They were joined in marriage on Aug. 25, 1960 at the United Church in Emo.
Afterwards, he guided in Nestor Falls for many years, as well as worked in the bush. He also worked construction with George Bates, where the favorite pastime was flipping coins.
Later in life, he was employed at Nuinsco Resources and Rainy River Resources until the time came to retire.
Oscar and Carol resided in Finland, Ont., where they raised their four children, Robert (Tami), Ken, Beven (Maggie), and Jennifer (Troy Magill).
Oscar also will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Ashlie (Craig), Melissa (Chris), Shaun, Julie, Cole, Meadow, Oscar, Harley, Jerry (Ashley), and Cory (Julia); and great-grandchildren, Leah, Even, Alexa, Adalynn, Charley, and Damen.
He also is survived by his siblings, Joyce (Conrad), Lorraine, Audrey, Fran (Bill), Ray (Denise), Ruth (Norman), and Dorothy (Ted); sisters-in-law, Simone and Betty; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Oscar was a man whose life revolved around his family. He enjoyed seeing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren together. He was a very protective and loving husband for almost 54 years, and always put the needs of family before his own.
He leaves a legacy of love, hard work, and laughter that will be carried on through his family.
He also had a huge extended family that included Bob Irvine, Wayne Caul, Earl Johnson, and Chris Wagg; as well as many others.
His motto was, “Not what you have; but rather what you are inside.”
Oscar was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Eleanor; siblings, Herb (Kay) Burnell, Edith (Vianney) Gauthier, and Gordon Burnell; brothers-in-law, Don Grennier, Don Purchase, and Fred Purchase; and sister-in-law, Bev (Bill) Watts.
A celebration of Oscar’s life was held Monday July 7, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Emo, with Pastor Joe Orr officiating.
Interment followed at the Barwick Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Rob Burnell, Ken Burnell, Beven Burnell, Shaun Magill, Troy Magill, and Earl Johnson
The honourary pallbearers were Joe Altbauer, Glen McLeod, Bob Irvine, George Bates, Bill Caul, Alvin McClain, Ted Halversen, Neil Billedeau, and Joe Chapot.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Sturgeon Creek School c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com