On Tuesday, July 23, 2019, Ronald William Burns, loving husband of Donna Tessier, and loving father of Allison, Amelia and Matthew (Waugh) passed away at the age of 66. He was born in Toronto to Gordon and Winnifred (Hawtin) Burns and was the brother of Janet (deceased) and Robert (wife Elaine O’Reilly).
Ron was a proud and dedicated father, uncle, and great uncle. He was equally passionate in his professional life, becoming the first blind individual to be awarded an LL.B. from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and practicing law in both the private and public sectors.
Ron was a great lover of music, books, animals, science, and the outdoors. Among his greatest joys were attending concerts, reading in the sun in his backyard, and sharing dinner with family and friends. He will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON) , with visitation at 10am, service at 11am, and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, Ron’s family requests that donations be made to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Digital Guestbook
Marilyn
Ted Mann
I have been on the Board of Directors with Ron for the last ten years. Ron has always been a kind, gracious, intelligent and thoughtful person on the board and his input has been respected and valued by myself and my colleagues on the Board. We will miss Ron greatly.
Sincerely
Ted Mann
Chair of the Board
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
Cindy Shipton-Mitchell
Ron and I worked together for the Department of Justice for many years. He had one of the finest legal minds of anyone I know and as a result his advice was widely sought by other lawyers. He was truly a lawyers' lawyer. My sincere condolences to his family.
Judith Davies
It was a privilege knowing Ron Burns and teaching his two beautiful daughters. He attended every Open House and recital possible, always with his guide dog. He was so proud of his girls and very supportive of the school. I and the faculty at ODCS who had the privilege of knowing him extend our sincere condolences.
Vivian Lee
I’m so glad I had the chance to meet Ron and Donna and spend a little time with them through Allison in the last couple of years. Ron was a warm and charming man and I know he will be sorely missed by his family and friends. My sincerest condolences to all of you for your loss.
natalie cyr
Donna and family, my condolences on the loss of such a wonderful person, I was honored to meet Ron a few times, when he would come to mass at Saint Joe's with Donna and their dogs. He was always very kind, and always nice to talk to.
Ron and I met as Board members for the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. He was always warm, kind and measured in his words and manner. He will be missed.