Tribute

It is with great sadness that the family of Roy Clifford Phillip Burt announce his passing on Wednesday, July 27, with his wife of 77 years by his side. He was 99.

Roy was the husband of Jean Burt, the love of his life. They met when she was 15 and he was 16 and knew it was forever. He asked her to wait for him while he served in the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII, and they were married as soon as he returned. After another 16 months with the Navy they settled down in Hamilton, ON, where Sharon and Phillip were born and they built their first house. But the call of the west was strong, so in 1956 they headed to BC, and fell in love with Penticton, where Laurel was born and another house was built. There they stayed until 1972, heading just a little further south where they built their last house in Osoyoos, BC. 

His first year in the Royal Canadian Navy was spent as a drummer with the nascent Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific in Victoria; but he wanted to go to war, so when the opportunity presented itself Roy volunteered for overseas duty in a new military branch called Combined Operations. He piloted landing craft for the landings on North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy, and was stationed in Malta long enough to receive, in 1992, the Malta George Cross Fiftieth Anniversary Medal. In 1994, he was honoured to be chosen to attend the 50th Anniversary D-Day Ceremonies in France.

Roy’s working years included operating his own boat-building business, Burt Boats, with his older brother, and Curry Electric in Stoney Creek, ON; Stelko in Hamilton, ON; Parker Motors and the Post Office in Penticton, BC; finally retiring from the Post Office as Post Master in Osoyoos, BC.

When he wasn’t building his houses and boats, Roy’s time was spent in camping and fishing, sailing and skiing, curling and golf. In Penticton he was promoted to Second Lieutenant while working with the Sea Cadets. In Osoyoos he was active in various social and sports clubs, including the Sailing Club, the Golf Course, the Rotary Club, and Lawn Bowling; as well as serving on the board of the Osoyoos Credit Union. After retirement, he was usally found in his garage surrounded by wood and creating boxes and bowls for the Osoyoos Art Gallery.

Roy was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Edith; daughter, Sharon; and siblings, Norman, Austin, Kaye, Joyce, Dorothy, and Howard. He is survived by his wife, Jean; his children, Philip (Sheree) and Laurel (Brian); nine grandchildren, Laura (Kurt), John (Carolina), Cameron, Sarah (Scott), Heather (John), Rebecca (Donny), Alex (Holly), Michael and Victoria; ten great-grandchildren, Jasmine (Chris), Cassandra, Mattias, Maya, Koston, Milla, Taelynn, Lee, Henry and Edward; and two great-great-grandchildren, Lucas and Blake. He didn’t get to meet them all, but those who knew him remember his jolly sense of humour and positive attitude. He captivated them with his stories of the sea.

There will be no service at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com.