CALAIS – Donald T. Burgess, 58, passed away Sept. 11, 2013, in Calais, surrounded by his loved ones. Donnie was born to Robert B. and Betty (Tupper) Burgess Sept. 23, 1954, in St. Stephen, New Brunswick.
He grew up in Calais where he met and married his best friend and soul mate, Mary-Jo Gillespie on March 18, 1978. Donnie worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator with the local mills then enjoyed many more years working as a car salesman at Border Motors in Calais. He was a member of St. Croix Lodge No. 46 A.F. & A.M. of Calais. He enjoyed many happy hours fishing and loved four wheeling in Tomah with his wife. Time spent with his grandchildren was so precious to Donnie. Donnie was such a kindhearted man and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Donnie was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Mary-Jo Burgess; son, Robert “Robbie” Burgess and his wife, Jure, of Calais; two grandchildren, Baylee and Hayden Burgess of Calais; brother, Robert “Bobby” Burgess of Freeport; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Larry and Mary Gillespie of Calais; sister-in-law, Michelle Brown and her husband, Dean, of Alexander; a niece who was special to his heart, Tonia Lanier and her husband, Austin, and their children, Carson, Delayne and Jack of Calais; special nephews, Shane Brown and his fiancée, Caitlin, of Bangor and Evan Brown and his wife, Kristin, and their daughter, Leah of Alexander; and many extended family members and lots of friends with a special mention to Donnie and Mary-Jo’s dear friends, Kathy and Jeff Demmons and Faye and Joey Donovan.
A celebration of Donnie’s life will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. Services by Mays Funeral Home, Calais and Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.
Donald T. Burgess
