MR. JOHN ROBERT BURNS of Lethbridge, loving & devoted husband of Mrs. Margit Marie Burns, and loving father of Roger and Dianne passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at the age of 88 years.

John was born in Pincher Creek to William & Eva Burns on September 29, 1922. He was raised on the family ranch south of Pincher Creek where his parents homesteaded.

John's childhood was spent living and working on the ranch until he joined the RCAF in 1942 at 20 years of age. He served overseas as an airframe mechanic and obtained his honorable discharge at Moncton, NB in September 1945.

He then returned to the family ranch and worked with his Dad and brother Edwin along with many special visits and help from his favorite nephew Bill Honeywell. He occasionally worked away from the ranch with Calgary Power as a lineman constructing power lines throughout Southern Alberta.

He then began working for Flint Oil at the BA Gas Plant east of the ranch. Upon completion of his training to be a gas plant operator he was then employed by BA which soon became Gulf Oil.

Throughout his entire career he continued assisting Edwin in the operations of the ranch.

In 1962 he married the love of his life, Margit and built their dream home on the home quarter. They raised two children Roger & Dianne and retired to Lethbridge in 2000.

Throughout his life he maintained his love of the land and ranching. He had a keen interest for history, local and world. He loved the outdoors, travel and spending time with his family.

John was a member of BPOE Elks, Royal Canadian Legion and the Pincher Creek Museum where he volunteered frequently before moving to Lethbridge.

We are all proud of the husband, father and grandfather he was to us.

Left to mourn his passing is Margit, his faithful, loving wife; his children, Roger (Carol) and Dianne (Martin); grandchildren; Ryan & Brandy and sons Gavin and Nathanial; Jason & Judy; Melissa & Michael and son Cole; Amanda & Travis; sisters, Mildred Allred and Helen Morehouse as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.
John was predeceased by his parents, and brothers & sisters; Maurice, Florence, Murton, Mary and Edwin.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, December 17, 2010 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at ST. ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 5th Avenue South, Lethbridge, with Reverend Hugh Jack, officiating.

Interment at Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Wildlife Federation, 350 Michael Cowpland Drive, Kanata, Ontario K2M 2W1 or to the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada Alberta & N.W.T. Chapter, 271 - 339 50 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2B3.