DAVID GEORGE "SMOKEY" BURGESS Obituary

DAVID GEORGE "SMOKEY" BURGESS attended Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about David George "smokey" Burgess.

Graduation Year	Class of 1965
Date of Passing	Jun 28, 2022
About	September 25, 1947 – June 28, 2022 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David, affectionately known as “Smokey” Burgess, on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at the age of 74. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Ingibjorg Hallson and George Burgess. David will be forever missed by his wife of 38 years, Jeanette (“J”) Burgess, and his children Jennifer Sarna (Jeff), Jodi Webb (Brandon), Jarid Burgess, Robyn Burgess (Chad Maendel), his brother Stephen (Larisa) and his five grandchildren, Alexandra and Cameron Sarna, William and Signy Webb, and Austin Maendel. Born and raised in Winnipeg, David cherished growing up in the North End where he discovered his passion for sports at Northwood CC such as hockey (winning the Midget A Championship for Manitoba), football and baseball. From a young age he also took to dancing and music forming his first band in 1964 known as the Misfits, followed by multiple bands such as Sticks and Stones, the Pallbearers, and Footloose and Fancy Free where he met one of his biggest music idols, Burton Cummings, who taught him how to play the keyboard. You could find him bragging about his Shakin All Over music event at our Annual Burgess Xmas Eve parties to anyone who would listen. Being the active sports enthusiast that he was, in his later years he opted to coach his children in all of their sporting endeavors. In April 2019, he received a Lifetime Achievement Tribute as Female Director of St Vital Minor Hockey Association. He joined the SVMHA in 2004 and for 16 years he coached, administered,and oversaw the SVMHA in its entirety. Dave was Umpire–in–Chief for Slo Pitch National (SPN) at the Waverley Complex from 1991 to 2019 and was presented with the Service Excellence Award at the 2018 Field of Dreams Induction Dinner for his 30+ years involvement. His biggest joy was being a dedicated member of his community where he committed to numerous years as a volunteer. His passion and dedication is what separated him from others as it was evident in his love and enthusiasm for the game. You would be sure to hear his undeniable voice and laughter both on and off the ice and ballfields. Dave was larger than life and was certain to put a smile on anyone’s face that walked into a room. We have lost a person with such incredible energy and spirit who will be remembered and missed by all who were fortunate enough to have met him. He wanted to share this poem with you all which he had placed on his office door: “Remember me with smiles and laughter For that is the way I will remember you all, If you can only remember me with tears, Then don’t remember me at all.” Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 25th, 2022 which would have been his 75th birthday. Place: Dakota Community Centre 1188 Dakota Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R2N 3T8 Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm