Obituary of William S. Burnside

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our father, Bill Burnside. Born October 11, 1930 in Glasgow, Scotland, Bill lived a full and successful life in Canada since arriving in 1951.

He was a proud father of Graham (deceased) (Laura Burnside), Janet (Kelvin Holmes), Doug (Lynne Burnside), and Gillian (Ron Milligan) and of grandchildren Daniel, Dennis, Jaime-Lynn, Meagan, Mallory, Chelsey, Leah, Chris, Brady, and Brett, honorary grandchildren Hillary and Kim, and seven great grandchildren.

As a Scottish Presbyterian, he quickly sought out St. Andrew's Church upon his arrival where he was graciously welcomed, found fellowship that would form lifelong friendships, and the church that would be the foundation of his life. Through the church he met his wife, and the love of his life, Joan (Alice) Taylor (1928 - 2021).Together they built a beautiful and remarkable 65 year-long love story.

Music fulfilled them and permeated our home. Bill was a natural and talented pianist, and brought joy to many a gathering whether it was at home, a party, in accompaniment with his wife, or at his retirement residence. Our parents led by example to work hard, to cherish and nurture friendships, and to always find great joy in life.

While Bill was deeply proud of his family, he was humble about his own many successes. His Civil Engineering Degree, obtained in Glasgow, equipped him to find work building hangars at the Ottawa International Airport.

Later, after a successful career with Fuller Construction spanning near 20 years, he moved on to forge his own path in 1969, founding William S. Burnside (Canada) Ltd., co-founding Merkburn Holdings and associated businesses with partners Cameron Merkley and Frank Dooher. Based on diligence and integrity, the three partners built not only business success, but a friendship that felt like family. This city is filled with Bill's contribution, having built many schools, much of the Carleton University campus, the Nepean Sportsplex, and later a portfolio of commercial properties.

Bill had a soft spot for charitable organizations in need of financial aid or in need of business acumen. On behalf of the family, Bill donated substantially to the Royal Ottawa Hospital for Mental Health to help them complete their fundraising toward their MRI diagnostic and research program. He gave routinely and substantially to the Ottawa Mission, the Ottawa Food Bank, and remained an ardent supporter of St. Andrew's Church. He was creative and intentional with his giving.

He lent his construction and business expertise to various causes: He negotiated a land lease with the Bank of Canada for St. Andrew's Church, thereby acquiring some financial security for the future. He aided in the reconstruction of several structures at Christie Lake Kids, and he guided the Royal Ottawa Golf Club through a substantial renovation project. He was a two-term president of The Royal Ottawa Golf Club, and served on numerous boards and committees in construction and community.

Our family has so much to be grateful for, and are honoured to be a part of the rich legacy he created.

Nephew Kenneth Burnside, and cousin Douglas Colville in Scotland have always kept his Scottish spirit strong, a tie that we as a family are forever thankful for.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to the Ottawa Mission, a cause dear to Bill's heart.

A Funeral in his honour will be held at St. Andrew's Church, 82 Kent Street, Ottawa, February 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow. Parking available at the Supreme Court.