BURNS, Eugene Beverley Burns

Hebarnes Passed away on April 7, 2026 after a brief illness at Lakeridge Health Oshawa in his 99th year. Beloved husband for 59 years of Marion (predeceased 2012). Loving Father to Karen (Brian) Lindsay and Peter (Janice). Loving Grandpa to Jason (Trina) and Michael Del Genio, Brittany (Jeff) Moore, Scott (Sonia) and Rachel (Ryan) Griffith. Loving Great Grandpa to Ethan, Maddox, Sutton, Olivia, Reese, Henry, Faith, Aria, Summer, Charlotte, Isabella, and Eve. Eugene will be deeply missed by his extended family and many friends. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday April 18, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, 5295 Thickson Road North, Whitby Ontario 905-655-3662.

Eugene Beverley Burns was born on January 1, 1928. He was the eldest of four children, with sisters Darlene and Anne, and a brother, Robert.

Eugene was part of Canadian history. In the final years of World War II, he was a teenager and a member of the Canadian Air Cadets youth program. During this time, he worked at a factory outside of Toronto where weapons were secretly manufactured. Eugene worked night shifts in underground tunnels, where his job was to paint practice bombs white.

He attended law school at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law at Osgoode Hall, and was called to the bar in 1954. In 1953, he married his beloved wife, Marion, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage until her passing in 2012. He became a partner in the firm Metcalfe, Blainey and Burns, founded in 1954, and went on to practice law for over 50 years.

Eugene had a deep passion for helping others in his community and was always ready to take on a challenge. In 1992, he partnered with a young lawyer to expand the firm’s practice, developing a niche in serving the Chinese and broader Asian communities. Their work focused on supporting enterprises and individuals with connections to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Scarboro for decades, including serving a 12 month term as president. He also served on the committee responsible for selecting and sending Rotary Scholars abroad, a role he greatly enjoyed, particularly the interview process. Eugene was deeply involved in club events, regularly attending meetings, fundraisers, and community Ribfests. A highlight for him was sharing “Gene’s Gems” at meetings, time-tested sayings and insightful quotes meant to inspire fellow members.

Faith played a central role in his life. Eugene was actively involved in his church, teaching Sunday school, participating in programs such as Alpha, attending Bible studies, and, in later years, enjoying the Eagles program for adults over 50. He loved to sing, especially old hymns.

An active person throughout his life, Eugene enjoyed skiing, hockey, tennis, and golf in his younger years. Later, he took pleasure in daily walks using his walking poles. He also loved playing bridge and other card games, and even taught himself to play the piano by ear.

Eugene was deeply loved and respected by many. He built strong relationships with neighbours and colleagues alike, and held a genuine respect for different cultures and languages. He learned to speak both Spanish and Mandarin, and had a gift for connecting with others, often learning how to say “hello” in many languages. His wit and humour brought joy to everyone he met.

Above all, Eugene cherished his family, his children, five grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. He delighted in the lively energy of family gatherings, especially the beautiful chaos of dinners filled with great-grandchildren running about. He had a special birthday tradition: calling each loved one to sing the entire “Happy Birthday” song, a gesture that meant so much to those who received it.

He will be greatly missed by his family and many dear friends. Eugene is now with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, fully whole, fully healed, and rejoicing in eternity with those who have gone before him. He is more alive than ever; his passing is not an end, but a change of address into the presence of God.

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