Obituary of Robert Leslie Burgess

Les passed away peacefully on September 12, 2013 at the Ridgewood Veteran’s Wing after a period of declining health. Born in Saint John on March 7th, 1924, Les lived and went to school on the “West Side” of Saint John until he joined the army at the age of 16. He was a proud soldier and served overseas with the 4th Canadian Motorcycle Regiment allocated to the Canadian Armour Corps designated the 8th Princess Louise’s (New Brunswick) Hussars. After his discharge, Les married his sweetheart Isabel McCarthy in 1948. He was a member of All Saints Church in East Saint John. He was a member of New Brunswick Masonic Lodge Saint John No.2. Les worked at Commercial Equipment before joining the staff of Frank Fales and Sons in 1947. He purchased Fales in 1971 and was the sole owner until he sold the company in 1988. Ever a salesman, Les enjoyed working and used to say “never a day went by that he didn’t have fun.” He was always ready with a laugh, joke or smile to greet his customers and have a chat. Les enjoyed fishing with friends, his various summer homes and his travels with Belle to Ireland, Spain, the UK, Holland, Grenada and Florida. After his retirement Les and Belle travelled in their RV across Canada and the US and to Alaska. A favourite vacation home was Barbados where they spent many happy winters and made many friends. Les is survived by his wife of 65 years Isabel C. Burgess, sons Greg Burgess (Penny), Guy Burgess (Alice), five grandchildren Stephanie Seheult (Peter), Jeffrey Burgess, Alicia Hutchings (Derrick), Andrew Burgess, and Dieter Burgess, three great-granddaughters Cadence Hutchings, Bailey Hutchings and Julianne Seheult, brothers Vernon Burgess (Darlene) and Blaine Burgess and their families. He was pre-deceased by his brother Ronald and sister Evelyn. Les’s family wish to express their gratitude to the staff of the Ridgewood Veteran’s Wing for the excellent, compassionate care Les received while he was there. Resting at Castle Funeral Home, “Fallsview Chapel”, 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John West, (634-1701). Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. from Castle “Fallsview” Chapel. Interment will take place in Greenwood Cemetery. There will be a reception held at Fallsview Reception Center following interment. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, The Cherry Brook Zoo in Saint John or the charity of the donor’s choice.