October 26, 1947 – August 15, 2020
Burl Levine passed away as a result of pancreatic cancer. He was the son of Max and Gertrude (nee Sachs) and was a loving husband to wife Sherry (nee Jones), stepdad to Michael Monner and the late Randy Monner (1987) and Zayda to Megan and Luke.
Burl was a longtime member of Beth Isaiah Synagogue and served on the Executive Committee and Cemetery Committee. He graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a B.A. in 1969 and from London Teachers College with Honours in 1970.
During his 25-year teaching career at Conestoga College, he initially taught English courses to Academic Upgrading and Apprenticeship students and then developed and taught several communication and general education courses to post-secondary students.
In 1989, Burl founded and trademarked INKLINGS®, a sole proprietorship offering freelance writing, editing and tutoring services to individuals, organizations and associations. He was proud to provide the final edit to Sherry’s children’s book “Charlie D and the Celebration Crabapple Tree” (2016). He also wrote and independently published five books: “Inklings About Relationships” (1991), “A Queue of Haikus” (2010), “Diverse Verse” (2012), “Groan-up Humour” (2015) and “Insight Out” (2016). In 1994, he received the St. James’ Court Award at the Orillia International Poetry Festival for his poem “Vigil for Auntie Gertie”. His works have appeared in periodicals such as Tone and Good Times and in anthologies such as Words and Wonders and Rhapsody. Burl also participated in readings at venues such as the Eden Mills Literary Festival, McCrae House and The Bookshelf.
For several years, he volunteered at Guelph Little Theatre. He was a cast member of a play that won the Best Amateur Play award at the Ontario Theatre Festival in 1973.
Burl also enjoyed playing the drums. He was a member of the King Street Blues Band and also played with a variety of local musicians at venues such as Churchill’s, the Cutten Club and Manhattans.
For forty years, Burl enjoyed golfing at the Cutten Club and was the “A” Flight Men’s Champion in 1994 and in 2017. He also served on the Men’s Golf Committee and Senior Men’s Invitational Golf Committee.
The family thanks the plethora of physicians and nurses for their empathetic care of Burl. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Beth Isaiah Congregation, P.O. Box 1552, Stn. Main, Guelph, ON N1H 6N9 would be appreciated. Please understand that we will be following social distancing protocols due to COVID-19. The graveside service on August 18, will be a private one, by invitation only and masks are required. Should you wish to participate in covering the casket with earth by shovel, please bring gloves to wear. We ask that you do not attend if feeling unwell or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 and further ask that you respect the direction of the funeral home and cemetery staff. Also, to keep people healthy, there will be a private Shiva. Arrangements entrusted to GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph.