BURGOYNE, Reginald Vernon Blackburn Burgoyne

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Bill Burgoyne announces his passing at the F.J. Davey Home in his 99th year.
Beloved husband of the late Gerry Burgoyne; much loved Dad of Jim (Erin), Mary (Rick), and John (Sharon); proud grandfather of James (Sarah), Ian (Annie), Michael (Alicia), Mark, Alicia, Ashley (Shawn) and great-grandfather of Blake and Brielle.
Dad is predeceased by his parents, James and Edna Burgoyne, as well as his sister Betty Knowlton.
Dad grew up primarily in Winnipeg, and Brandon, Manitoba. He graduated from the University of Manitoba’s School of Architecture in 1949. He promptly accepted a job with John B. Parkin Associates Architects in Toronto. It was only a few years after he started that he was sent to Sault Ste. Marie to oversee some projects out of Parkin’s satellite office. It was during this time that he met Mom on a blind date. They were married in 1956, and continued to live in Toronto. In early 1960 he had the opportunity to move his family back to Sault Ste. Marie where he took over the Parkin office as his own practice.
While growing a successful architectural firm, Dad also served the community, most notably for several years on the Board of the General Hospital, 4 of them as Chair; 6 years on the Board of the Algoma District Health Council, 4 of them as Chair; and he was awarded the Medal of Merit in 1987.
In 1996, Mom and Dad moved to Orillia, to test the waters of living in Southern Ontario once again, something Mom had always wanted to do. They spent many years happily entertaining all of their grandchildren at the beach, or raspberry picking, or day trips on the steamships that grace the Muskoka Lakes.
But for Dad, his hobby had always been his love of architecture, so in 2002, he joined Murphy Hilgers Architects, a Toronto firm that specialized in healthcare facilities which was right up Dad’s alley. Dad was in his element, offering lunch and learns on a regular basis, but most importantly to him, he was able to be a valuable and insightful mentor to so many of his colleagues. Dad stayed with Murphy Hilgers through their acquisition by Stantec and continued to provide his mentoring until he was 85, when knee replacement surgery prompted his retirement.
In 2018, they returned to the Sault where there was more family to assist them in their later years.
We would like to thank the team on Birch Lane 2 at the Davey Home who took great care of Dad for the short time he was there. Very special thanks to the staff at Kotitalo of the Ontario Finnish Resthome, especially Chris, Brady and Vibeth, just to name a few. Dad had 4 wonderful years there and we are very grateful to all of the staff for their care.
Memorial donations in Dad’s name may be made to the Ontario Finnish Resthome Foundation or the Sault Area Hospital Foundation.
Private final arrangements have been made. Interment to take place at a later date.
Our world has lost a kind and gentle soul who will live forever in our hearts. Rest peacefully Dad.