It is with great sadness that we announce the passing retired District Chief Ernest Burns, peacefully on April 11, 2020, at the Eatonville Care Center, Etobicoke, Ontario nine days short of his 89th birthday. He is predeceased by his parents Harry and Stella and his sibling Ronald. Left to mourn are his loving and devoted wife of 69 years Elizabeth (nee Emsley), children Sharon (John Libront) and Douglas, grandchildren Jessica, Justin and Julian, as well as his long-term friends, the late, Jack Button and wife Margaret and many hunting buddies.
Ernest joined the Etobicoke Fire Department on June 20, 1955. Always a life-long learner, he worked hard and was promoted to Captain in 1963. He then went on to study and graduate from the Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst, Ontario in June 1971 and graduated from the Fire Investigation course in Aylmer, Ontario in 1987. After many years of service as Captain, Ernest was once again promoted to District Chief in September 1974 and honorably served his district up to his retirement on June 30, 1990.
When not working, Ernest could be found walking miles and miles, hand-in-hand with his wife Elizabeth. He was a true gentleman and an avid sportsman who passed along his love of fishing to his children and grandchildren.
We will miss his loving, calm demeanor and wonderful sense of humor.