PETER ALEXANDER BURNETT

Peter Alexander Burnett passed away on March 17, 2023. Peter was born on January 13, 1945 to Chrissie and Dave Burnett in Milton, New Zealand. Peter was a larger-than-life character whose positivity was contagious. 

Peter was trained as an entomologist at the University of Manitoba where he met his lifelong partner, Alison.  Peter worked in grain improvement research at research centres in New Zealand, USA, Mexico, Lacombe (AB), Lethbridge (AB) and finally ending his working career in Winnipeg as Director of the Grain Research Laboratory with the Canadian Grain Commission. In retirement, Peter volunteered as a board member for Friends Housing, which provides housing for people with a chronic mental illness to live independently in the community.

Peter was predeceased by his sister Janice Summers; brother Doug Burnett; and son Ben. He is survived by his wife Alison (née Benningen); daughter Anne; son Sam; daughter-in-law Maureen; grand-daughters Miriam, Penny, and Willa; brother David Burnett in Australia; as well as nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and cousins in New Zealand.

Peter loved reading, fishing, enjoying art and travelling. Because of his career he was able to travel all around the world to countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America and Oceania. At 67 he saw the Taj Mahal and expressed how wonderful it was to be inspired even at his age.

Peter loved to spend time with people and enjoyed drinks with his mates. He was infamous for his story telling and if questioned about the details of the story he would say, “never ruin a good story with the truth”.

Peter’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends Housing.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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