BURCH: The death of Douglas Rae Burch, beloved husband of Sally, occurred on Friday, February 4, 2005. The Ceremony to Celebrate Rae's Life will be held at Central United Church, 327-8th Street on Thursday, February 10, 2005 at 2:00 pm. Rev. Joan Jarvis will officiate. Complete obituary information will follow. Expressions of Sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

BURCH: The death of Douglas Rae Burch, beloved husband of Sally, dear father of Doug and Susan, occurred at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg on Friday, February 4, 2005. Rae was born in Wadena, Saskatchewan on January 2, 1929, the second son of Elsie and George Burch. He was raised on the family farm outside of Elfros, Saskatchewan where he also completed his schooling. Rae started working at North American Lumber in 1953 in Coaldale, Alberta. Throughout his career with the company, he transferred to different locations including Brandon in 1955; Esterhazy, Saskatchewan in 1962, where he became the store manager; Weyburn, Saskatchewan in 1971 and then returning to Brandon in the fall of '72 where he remained until he retired in 1990. Rae met his wife Sally Burch (nee Van Patten) in Elfros, Saskatchewan and the two were married in 1956. Rae was the past master of the Masonic Lodge in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club in Brandon as well as on the executive of the Senior Men's Golf Club. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed playing baseball, golf, badminton, racquetball and cross-country skiing. Rae was an active member of the Y.M.C.A. and enjoyed the companionship of the many members. He had a lifelong competitive spirit. He also enjoyed playing cards and played with a poker group regularly for over 30 years. The stakes were high; two dollar limits. In his retirement, he kept himself busy playing bridge three times a week. During this time, he also developed a passion for oil painting and achieved recognition by the art community for his work. Rae was an avid gardener and loved to cook and to dance. He especially enjoyed his relationships with his siblings and many friends. Rae is survived by: his wife of 48 years, Sally; his son Douglas (Lisa) and their children Amanda, Christina and Breanna; his daughter Susan (John) Huumo and their children James and Shelby. Brothers and sisters: Glen Burch and Stuart (Charlotte) Burch, Marlyn (Emerson) Gudmundson and Shirley (Ted) Hall. He also leaves a sister-in-law Peggy (Walter) Samograd; numerous nieces; nephews; cousins and close friends. Rae was predeceased by his parents. The Ceremony to Celebrate Rae's Life was held at Central United Church, 327-8th Street on Thursday, February 10, 2005 at 2:00 pm. Rev. Joan Jarvis and Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood officiated. Urn bearer was Don Ferrier. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Rae to Central United Church Memorial Fund, 327 8th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 3X5 or to the Brandon Regional Health Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2B3. Thank you to all of our friends and family for your support. Also, a huge thank you to the Doctors and nurses of both the Brandon Regional Health Centre and the Assiniboine Centre for your care of Rae. Expressions of Sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Central United Church Memorial Fund, or Bdn. Regional Health Centre Foundation