DR. WILLIAM BRUCE “BILL” BURWELL
Dr. William Burwell, Dr. Bill, as he was affectionately known by his patients, passed away quietly at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital on November 1, in his 89th year.
He will be greatly missed by his much-loved wife Bonnie who he married in 2009, and with whom he shared a great passion for the outdoors. Bill was cherished by his 4 children Douglas (Gayle Crooks), Katherine Lyn, Robert (deceased in 2012), Cindy (Rich Verboon) and his grandchildren Laura, Kristine, Emma, William, Matthew & Adam and his 2 great-grandchildren Jacey and Hayden. He was a wonderful friend and father figure to his 5 step-children Sarah Wright, Jobie Eldridge, Joshua Eldridge, Emily Eldridge and Bronwyn Eldridge (Ryan) Bradley and their respective children Jessie Wright, Morgen Wright, Charlie Eldridge, Jax Bradley and Harper Bradley.
Bill was born in Renfrew, March 14, 1929, and attended Renfrew Collegiate Institute before continuing his studies in medicine at McGill University, where met his first wife Ruth (who passed away in 1994). After graduating in 1952, he spent a few years interning in England and Hamilton, Ontario, before returning to Renfrew to start his family and begin his medical practice, following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. George Burwell.
A caring, benevolent, and much-loved doctor, he served as chief of staff at RVH and cared for patients there for over 50 years. He continued to practice medicine from his home for a few special patients until 2014. Bill was also part of the medical staff for 38 years at Bonnechere Manor, and in 2009 he was awarded honorary chairman of the Bonnechere Manor’s Auditorium Fundraising campaign. An active member of the local community he served for several years on the Industrial Commission.
Since a child, Bill had a passion for all things steam powered, and for years he organised an annual Steam Show at his “farm” on Fraser Road near Burnstown, to the delight and benefit of the local community. With his steamboat the Puffin, he participated in, and sometimes organised, an annual Steamboat flotilla. Over the past 5 years he continued this passion, along with a great group of friends, to build a replica Alligator Steam Tug Boat, which he was thankfully able to see launched for its inaugural trip up the Ottawa River in September.
Bill was predeceased by his parents George and Devee, his first wife Ruth, his brother Robert (Bob) and his son Robert as well as several great childhood friends.
Bill was a wonderful and compassionate doctor, a great friend to many and he had a gift for reciting poetry and telling jokes. His loss will be felt not only by Bonnie and his family, but to the many people he cared for. He will be particularly missed by his long-time dear friends, Terry Fisher, Bill Chown, and Barb Carrier.
The family would like to thank Dr. Max Buxton and Dr. Nemani, as well as the Renfrew Victoria Hospital nurses and staff, who showed him great care and respect in his final week.
Visitation at McPhail & Perkins Funeral home, Renfrew was on Tuesday, November 7. Funeral service was held at Trinity-St. Andrews United Church on Wednesday, November 8 followed by a private family Interment at Thomsonville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Bonnechere Manor or Renfrew Victoria Hospital.
