Passed away at the University Hospital in London on October 12, 2022 at the age of 77 years. His final days were spent surrounded by family.
Jamie was born in Charlottetown, PEI on June 8, 1945 to Ian and Mildred Burnett. They lived downtown near the family business,“The Charlottetown Guardian” and spent their summers at the family cottage on the river. When he was a teenager the newspaper business brought the Burnett Family to Guelph.
Jamie attended GCVI secondary school where he played on the school’s football team.
He was also a musician, and played at many local venues with his band “The Don Singular Trio” in his early 20s. Around this time, he met his future wife, Donna Currie. They wed on September 18, 1971.
Soon after, Jamie took a position as a journalist with the Fergus-Elora News Express. His talent was well recognized, and within 2 years he was announced as the new publisher, prompting a move to the town of Fergus.
Fergus became home, where their 2 children, Kevin and Leanne, were born and raised.
Jamie was very involved in his community. He sat on city council and served as Deputy Mayor. He was an Elder in his church, St. Andrews Presbyterian.
He continued his joy for sport by coaching his daughter’s baseball team and umpired competitive softball games. He joined a karate dojo with his son and worked his way up to an impressive second degree black belt.
Jamie had a passion for flying and had his pilots licence for many years. He enjoyed taking his family for scenic flights of Ontario.
After he retired from the newspaper industry, Jamie explored his love of photography and started a small business out of his home. He combined his joy for flying and photography and dabbled in aerial photography.
Jamie enjoyed traveling with his family and friends. So much so that he got his travel licence and became a travel agent.
Jamie loved and was loved deeply by his family. He left behind his wife of 51 years, Donna, his children Kevin and Leanne (Chris) and grandchildren Caleb and Layla.
His death was preceded by his father, Ian and his mother, Mildred. He is survived by his siblings Jean (John), Carol-Lynn, Allan (Connie), and Patti and many nieces and nephews and cousins.
A memorial drop-in will be open to family and friends on Monday, October 17th from 6-8pm at Wall-Custance Funeral Home, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, ON. A private service for family will be held the following day.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Society.