Robert G. McBurnie
MCBURNIE, Robert G., 72, FORT FAIRFIELD, December 1, 2010, at Boston. Spring interment will take place at the St. Denis Catholic Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. Arrangements in care of Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, Fort Fairfield.
FORT FAIRFIELD – Robert G. McBurnie, 72, beloved husband of Jeannette M. (Marquis) McBurnie, passed away, Wednesday afternoon, December 1, 2010, at a Boston hospital, after an extended illness. He was born August 8, 1938, in Fort Fairfield, the son of George O. and Hazel (Beckwith) McBurnie. He was a graduate of the Fort Fairfield High School, Class of 1955, and also was a 1960 graduate of the University of Maine at Orono, receiving a degree in agriculture.
Mr. McBurnie had been self-employed as a potato farmer in Fort Fairfield for twenty-five years, and was very fond of John Deere tractors and implements. After his farming career, Robert became employed with the Aroostook Medical Center, Presque Isle, assisting with Lifeline and working in the maintenance department. He also sold and serviced Electrolux Vacuums and worked at the St. Denis Catholic Church maintaining the church, rectory and grounds. After retirement, Robert still maintained his endless commitment to his community and church, serving on the Parish Council and as a Eucharistic Minister. He also volunteered with The Aroostook Medical Center Lifeline, and also hospital special projects and events.
He was married to Jeannette M. Marquis on October 31, 1970, and was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council Number 1757, Fort Fairfield.
In his early years, Robert was a member of the Young Farmers of America and the Future Farmers of America. He greatly enjoyed all of God’s creation and was an accomplished nature photographer. He also enjoyed maintaining the beautiful flower gardens that he planted and nurtured with his wife Jeannette.
He was predeceased by his parents; and is survived by his wife of forty years, Jeannette M. McBurnie of Fort Fairfield; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Dale and Sandra McBurnie of Punta Gorda, FL, Keith and Beverly McBurnie of Fort Myers, FL, David and Kathy McBurnie of Richmond, VA; numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Lisa Corrigan and her husband, John of Connecticut; special friends, Bob and Dede Robinson and David Bernard, all of Fort Fairfield, Sherry Beaulieu of Presque Isle.
The McBurnie family extends their heartfelt thank you to the priests and parishioners of the Parish of the Precious Blood, St. Denis Catholic Church, Fort Fairfield, for their unparalleled support, kindness and generosity during Robert’s illness and passing.
Friends called Sunday, December 5, 2010, from 7 – 9 p.m., at the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield, where a vigil service was conducted at 7:30 p.m. by the Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, December 6, 2010, at 1 p.m., at the Parish of the Precious Blood, St. Denis Catholic Church, 147 Main Street, Fort Fairfield, with the Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie celebrant. A time continued fellowship with refreshments was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Council Number 1757, 260 Main Street, Fort Fairfield, immediately after the funeral Mass. Spring interment will take place at the St. Denis Catholic Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. McBurnie by either purchasing Mass intentions or contributing to the St. Denis Memorial Fund, c/o the Parish of the Precious Blood, P.O. Box 625, Caribou, 04736. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
