FORT FAIRFIELD – Robert G. McBurnie, 72, beloved husband of Jeannette M. (Marquis) McBurnie, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 1, 2010, at a Boston hospital, after an extended illness. He was born Aug. 8, 1938, in Fort Fairfield, son of George O. and Hazel (Beckwith) McBurnie. He was a graduate of Fort Fairfield High School, Class of 1955, and also was a 1960 graduate of the University of Maine, Orono, receiving a degree in agriculture. Mr. McBurnie had been self-employed as a potato farmer in Fort Fairfield for 25 years, and was very fond of John Deere tractors and implements. After his farming career, Robert became employed with The Aroostook Medical Center, Presque Isle, assisting with Lifeline and working in the maintenance department. He also sold and serviced Electrolux Vacuums and worked at St. Denis Catholic Church maintaining the church, rectory and grounds. After retirement, Robert still maintained his endless commitment to his community and church, serving on the parish council and as a Eucharistic minister. He also volunteered with The Aroostook Medical Center Lifeline and also hospital special projects and events. He was married to Jeannette M. Marquis, Oct. 31, 1970, and was a third degree member of Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1757, Fort Fairfield. In his early years, Robert was a member of Young Farmers of America and Future Farmers of America. He greatly enjoyed all of God’s creation and was an accomplished nature photographer. He also enjoyed maintaining the beautiful flower gardens that he planted and nurtured with his wife, Jeannette. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jeannette M. McBurnie of Fort Fairfield; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Dale and Sandra McBurnie of Punta Gorda, Fla., Keith and Beverly McBurnie of Fort Myers, Fla., and David and Kathy McBurnie of Richmond, Va.; numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Lisa Corrigan and her husband, John, of Connecticut; and special friends, Bob and Dede Robinson, David Bernard, all of Fort Fairfield, and Sherry Beaulieu of Presque Isle. The McBurnie family extends their heartfelt thank you to the priests and parishioners of Parish of the Precious Blood, St. Denis Catholic Church, Fort Fairfield, for their unparalleled support, kindness and generosity during Robert’s illness and passing. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield, where a vigil service will be conducted 7:30 p.m. by the Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, at Parish of the Precious Blood, St. Denis Catholic Church, 147 Main St., Fort Fairfield, with the Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie, celebrant. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will be held immediately after the funeral Mass at Knights of Columbus Hall, Council No. 1757, 260 Main St., Fort Fairfield. Spring interment will take place at St. Denis Catholic Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. McBurnie by either purchasing Mass intentions or contributing to St. Denis Memorial Fund, care of Parish of the Precious Blood, P.O. Box 625, Caribou, ME 04736. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. <>
ROBERT G. MCBURNIE
