George Edward Burtt

On November 25 at the DECH in Fredericton, surrounded by family and the sweet presence of God, George Edward Burtt passed peacefully into the waiting arms of his Saviour. George had lived his whole 85 years on the same homestead in Central Blissville, New Brunswick.

George was born in Central Blissville on March 27, 1940, to Charlie and Ruth (Elder) Burtt. He spent his early years living it up on the farm with his brother and sisters developing his love for gardening and honing his natural giftedness with animals. In his teens he began working in the woods and discovered it was his passion.  For many years he continued working in lumber camps and the logging industry until he began with the Department of Transportation in the early 70s as a snow plow operator. He then became highway supervisor based out of the Hoyt Garage and later the Fredericton Junction Garage.

George married the love of his life, Ruth Slipp, and together they built a family rooted in faith. They raised their four children to seek the Lord and honour Him in every aspect of their lives. He followed the principle of  “Preach the gospel and when necessary use words.” His faith was evident through his actions, how he cared for the poor, showed love to his neighbours, always had an open door, and even provided a safe haven for several foster children through the years. While known for his large, strong hands, he only used them to work hard and show love to his fellow man.

Once he retired, George spent as much time as he could in the woods. He loved his chainsaw, hunting, and fishing. One of his favourite spots was his moose stand where he was a successful guide for many moose hunters over the last 40 years. While he couldn’t beat the thrill of calling a bull moose out into the meadow, he also loved moose hunting for the friendships he made and the quality time spent together – with his son, brothers-in-law, nephews and his moose hunting friends.

George and Ruth believed that family was their highest priority. While their health allowed them to travel, they made of point of gifting their children and grandchildren a family vacation in Prince Edward Island every summer. So many memories were made, and family ties deepened on these trips.

George will forever be loved and remembered by his wife of 57 years, Ruth (Slipp), his children Janice Burtt, Jolie Arndt (Duane), David Burtt (Joni), and Patti Nason (Roger); his grandchildren Lindsay Arbeau (Matthew), Candice Strang (Derek), David “DJ” Arndt (Anna), Tori Johnson, Violet Nason, Charlie Burtt, and Rosie Burtt; his great-grandchildren Jessa, Macey and Lydia Arbeau, Bella, Theo, Cali and Brady Strang; his goddaughter Robyn Bruce. He is also survived by his sisters Margaret Golding, Evelyn McCracken (Danny), Mildred Munn (Art), and his brother Bobby Burtt (Debbie), and many nieces and nephews.

Gone before him to their eternal home are his parents Charlie Burtt and Ruth (Elder) Burtt Alexander, his sister Annie Carr and her husband Byron, and brothers-in-law Garfield Vail and Douglas “Puzz” Golding. Waiting for him was his brother-in-law and dear friend, Harold Slipp, probably with a cup of tea in one hand and a fishing rod in the other.

The family would like to say a huge thank you to Terri Humble and Raymond Mott for their friendship and care for dad over the last few years. Also, thanks to Dr. John Richardson and the whole Extra Mural Team and the doctors and nurses of the DECH.

Visitation will be Friday, November 28, at Sunbury Funeral Home from 5 pm to 8 pm. The celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 29, at Geary Baptist Church at 11 am. The committal service at Blissville Baptist Cemetery will follow the funeral reception.

Donations in George’s memory may be made to Heritage Christian School, Geary Baptist Church, or Blissville Baptist Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the professional care of Sunbury Funeral Home, Central Blissville, NB (506-368-2413). www.sunburyfuneralhome.com