Obituary of Glen Wallace Burlingame

BURLINGAME -Glen Wallace 1924 -2009 It is with heavy hearts that the family of Glen Wallace Burlingame announce his peaceful passing at Whispering Pine Place Nursing Home on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009 at the age of 85 years. Glen was born in Outlook, SK on Dec. 21, 1924 to Minerva and Ambrose Burlingame. Glen worked at the Outlook Flour Mill, the job required some travel and this is where he met his soon to be wife, Reta Balkwill who lived in Conquest, SK. They were married in 1948 and the following year, Glen was transferred to Saskatoon where he worked at the Sask. Wheat Pool Flour Mill as Assistant Superintendent of the grain elevator section, a position he held for many years. It was here where they started their family with Garry, Doug, Karen and Cliff. During these years they owned a cabin on Aquadeo Beach, at Jackfish Lake, and most weekends were spent there with the family. It was in Saskatoon where he was sponsored into the AA program. This was the first step that led him to become a big part of starting Canwood's AA program. Glen was also active in the programs of many of the surrounding communities. He lived faithfully by the AA program, their belief of One Day at a Time and the words of the Serenity Prayer. Glen was proud to celebrate his 46 years and 8 months of sobriety. Several years ago Glen took classes in Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation. Over the years this led him to many opportunities to work with the PA Drug & Alcohol Council known as PACADA. He also worked at the Prince Albert Jail and the Sask. Penitentiary where he counseled inmates on drug and alcohol addictions. He made a big impact on many lives at this time. After several years of being at the Flour Mill, he decided he needed a change and went to school for barbering. In March of 1963 he opened up a barbershop in the community of Canwood and a month later, moved his family there. It was here Brian and Bev were born to complete their family. Glen soon bought farmland and started to hobby farm. He eventually moved his barbering into his home, and eventually his hobby farm turned into full time farming making barbering his hobby. Through the years Glen was also an active member of the Board of Trade, Housing Committee, Elk's, Local School Board and both Canwood and the Prince Albert Clinic Boards. Glen always had a soft spot for all his grandchildren and he loved to visit, there weren't too many weekends that he and Reta stayed home alone. They could always be found with their money purses out ready to play the next card game. Glen and Reta moved into town in November of 2006 into Golden Acres. In August of 2007 Glen moved into the care of the Whispering Pine Place Staff. November of that year was very difficult for Glen as Reta his wife of 59 years had passed away. Glen was a very meticulous man, this meticulous manner also carried on outside his home as he made sure that his farmyard and his lawn were perfectly kept. Glen's passion was the outdoors, he loved camping and fishing, many evenings were spent sitting watching pelicans and the sun setting. We will all treasure the memories of Glen's quick wit, sense of humour and kindness. He has touched many lives, may he rest in peace, we love you and will remember you always. Glen will be lovingly survived by his children, Garry (Karen) Burlingame and their daughter Christie (David) Johnson; Doug (Bev) Burlingame and their children Darcy (Ken) George and Glen (Jen) Burlingame; Karen (Gary) Thall and their children Shawna (Kelly) Deck, Tamara (Paul) Couture, Spiker (Charity Tuttroen) Thall and Tracey (Darren) Paul; Cliff (Lori) Burlingame and their children Brandi Seutter, Chase (Chantelle) Burlingame and Paige (Jake) Scheck; Brian (Debbie) Burlingame and their children Wesley, Casey & Rachel Burlingame; bev Burlingame and her son Braden Drullette; his great grandchildren Kennedy, Avery, Cooper, Bryce, Brody, Lynlea, Derek, Rylan, Tyra, Jaelyn, Dakota, Ryder, Rush, Beau and newly arrived Preslee; his siblings Wayne (Bernice) Burlingame & Verdell Lowes; his sisters in law Lois Porter, L'Mae Mack, and friend Joyce McRae; a brother in law Pete Balkwill; his special friends Lawrence & Kay Schraeder. Glen was predeceased by his loving wife Reta (Balkwill), his parents Bruce & Minerva Burlingame, a brother Edwin Burlingame, a grandson Jason, his mother & father in law Roy & Lily Balkwill. The Funeral Service took place on January 2, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Canwood Elk's Hall, Rev. Brian Maitland was officiant, Eulogists were Cliff Burlingame & Tamara Couture, Organist was Julie Johnson, Whispering Pine Nursing Home staff were the Honor Guard, and Pallbearers were Glens children. Interment was in the Canwood North Cemetery, memorial Donations may be made to Canwood United Church or Whispering Pine Place Staff Fund.