Superintendent (retired) Thomas Burns

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With love and pride we remember the full and wonderful life of Tom Burns, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 78. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Tom’s warmth, strength and love touched everyone who knew him.

Tom is predeceased by his parents Jim and Elsie (Mackie) Burns and daughter Krista Burns (Ray St. Louis). Left to mourn are his wife of 55 years Carol (Thorpe), daughter Jennifer Burns, son-in-law Gaetan Lemieux, grandchildren Daniel Burns and Elisabeth Lemieux and great-granddaughter Aliyah, siblings Edith (Grant, deceased) Sutherland (Thunder Bay), Jim (Rowena) Burns (Perth, Australia) and Rob (Dorothy) Burns (Okotoks, AB) and many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by close friends Jane and Dave Pelletier, whom we thank for their unwavering support over the last 40 years.

Born in Geraldton Ontario, Tom joined the RCMP after graduating from high school and proudly served for 36 years, followed by 10 years at Transport Canada (National Security). Having lived in Kemptville, Sault Ste. Marie and Montreal, his last transfer was to Ottawa, where he retired. In his early years he was a member of the Kemptville Kinsmen Club, and later the Kemptville Lions Club. He relished family time – skiing, snowmobiling, biking, boating, camping, fishing and teaching family and friends how to fish. For 25 years he enjoyed spending his summers at Rideau Mac Resort on Big Rideau Lake, where he formed lasting friendships.

Tom knew Carol was “the one”, having proposed after only 6 weeks of dating. Married in 1969, they welcomed twin daughters in 1971.

Tom was incredibly proud not only of his girls, but also of his grandchildren and their accomplishments, supporting and encouraging them in their journey to adulthood.

Family and friends are invited to Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), for a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 1 p.m. in Beechwood's Sacred Space, followed by a Reception. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation or the Ottawa Food Bank.

Digital Guestbook

Peter an Laura Sutherland

We sorry to hear of Tom’s passing, first time meeting him l met him as a teenager travelled my Dad, Ede, Elsie an Robbie to Regina for his graduation, bumped into him a few times , the last l was in a logging show in Su st Marie, he come to watch an we went for a beer later to do some serious undercover work in a bar! Lol Thanks for your many yrs of service!

Monique Backs

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Big hugs to you Carol. Love Rick & Monique. We miss you both at Rideau Mac Resort.

Barbara Christie O'Brien

I, too, went all the way through school as a classmate of Tom's. I remember his calm demeanor, his strength as a leader. He was well suited to the RCMP. I'm certain he gave it his all. RIP Tom. I know you will be missed. Sincere condolences to Tom's family.

Valerie Heathman

I have wonderful memories of Tom during high school in Geraldton He was very special to me & my family. He used to call my baby brother "Boyco". I am sending my condolences to Carol & family and I hope your memories give you comfort . Valerie Heathman & the Waltersons.

Sandy Murphy

Dear Aunt Carol, Jennifer and family

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Uncle Tom.
I only met him a few times the last one when you visited us in Perth over 20 years ago.
He was a lovely lovely man.
Cherish the memories you have of him.
As you know it is truly a blessing to have them.

Rest in peace Uncle Tom.

With love
Sandy and family.

Jim and Rowena burns

So very sorry to hear of the passing of my brother Tom. I Left home when he was only 9 years old. It was after we were adults that we got together several times...including his trips to Newfoundland and here in Australia.
We connected as close brothers very easily and enjoyed each others company wherever we went. I wish we could have seen much more of each other. Ro and I will miss him very much.
Our heart felt condolances to Carol, Jennifer and family.
Deepest sympathy ... Jim , Rowena and family

Bob and Pat Pytak

Dear Carol and family, we were sorry to hear the news of Tom’s passing. It brought back many memories of growing up in the Ball Park area of Geraldton. As kids we used to walk down the tracks and exploring the bush. We went separate ways but ended up as Policemen, him with the RCMP and I with the Calgary Police. Rest in peace brother.

Richard &Ellen Sutherland

Our deepest condolences go out to Carol,Jennifer and family.I remember visiting Tom and Carol at a very young age and those fond memories will always be etched in my mind.RIP Tom.