Obituary for Grayson Monroe Burnham
Burnham, Grayson
Passed away November 6, 2020
Grayson was the son of Carrie and Rex Burnham. They had a large family, five sons: Brancil, Ben, Grayson, Les and Kolon and two daughters; Janet and Glenna.
Grayson grew up in his beloved "Metropolis of Fenwick" . He had many happy memories of his "Mayberry" - walking uptown to the barber shop, post office, and the Green Lantern. He cherished the town folk that watched and cares for the neighbourhood children as they walked to school, played baseball, and hiked in the fields and woods. He loved exploring along the railroad tracks and observing the comings and goings at the railroad station.
He married his high school sweetheart, Melody. They lived in Fonthill (during their 42 year marriage) which according to Grayson, was fine, since he could still hear the Fenwick train in the evening. Christmas celebrations always began with a drive to see the lights and bell on the Fenwick flagpole. One could say that Grayson liked to put down roots!
Grayson was described by our pastor (and friend) as having had an "indomitable quality of bringing light into the darkness of any situation." His sense of humour, and quick wit, sustained his hopeful and optimistic nature. In his own words, "Nothing is so bad, that it couldn't be worse!"
Music nurtured his spirit. He could bring any musical instrument to life, whether guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukelele or dulcimer. Grayson was a contented man and lived with a sense of feeling blessed - no more so, than when our daughter, Kaitlyn was born. During times of serious illness, she became his reason to never give up hope. They had many adventures and made memories together. She inherited his wit and love of music.
In his later years, due to failing health, Grayson missed some important father-daughter milestones, such as her university graduation and Kaitlyn and Amy's wedding. He continued to encourage and support from the sidelines. He was overjoyed when Kaitlyn sold her first humorous story to CBC radio and he was able to hear her narrate her story, "right here in our own kitchen!" (It was like a moment from the 40's, gathered around the radio.)
A small cemetery service was held on our last glorious fall day, his favourite season, facing a farm field and woodland. Our thanks to our pastors (and friends) Rev. Heather Myers and Rev. Russ Myers for their music, words of remembrance and comfort. One of Grayson's favourite gospel songs, "I'll Fly Away" was uplifting but especially symbolic, when an unknown pilot appeared from nowhere and seemed to hover above us - we couldn't help but chuckle, Grayson would have loved that!
Passed away November 6, 2020
Grayson was the son of Carrie and Rex Burnham. They had a large family, five sons: Brancil, Ben, Grayson, Les and Kolon and two daughters; Janet and Glenna.
Grayson grew up in his beloved "Metropolis of Fenwick" . He had many happy memories of his "Mayberry" - walking uptown to the barber shop, post office, and the Green Lantern. He cherished the town folk that watched and cares for the neighbourhood children as they walked to school, played baseball, and hiked in the fields and woods. He loved exploring along the railroad tracks and observing the comings and goings at the railroad station.
He married his high school sweetheart, Melody. They lived in Fonthill (during their 42 year marriage) which according to Grayson, was fine, since he could still hear the Fenwick train in the evening. Christmas celebrations always began with a drive to see the lights and bell on the Fenwick flagpole. One could say that Grayson liked to put down roots!
Grayson was described by our pastor (and friend) as having had an "indomitable quality of bringing light into the darkness of any situation." His sense of humour, and quick wit, sustained his hopeful and optimistic nature. In his own words, "Nothing is so bad, that it couldn't be worse!"
Music nurtured his spirit. He could bring any musical instrument to life, whether guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukelele or dulcimer. Grayson was a contented man and lived with a sense of feeling blessed - no more so, than when our daughter, Kaitlyn was born. During times of serious illness, she became his reason to never give up hope. They had many adventures and made memories together. She inherited his wit and love of music.
In his later years, due to failing health, Grayson missed some important father-daughter milestones, such as her university graduation and Kaitlyn and Amy's wedding. He continued to encourage and support from the sidelines. He was overjoyed when Kaitlyn sold her first humorous story to CBC radio and he was able to hear her narrate her story, "right here in our own kitchen!" (It was like a moment from the 40's, gathered around the radio.)
A small cemetery service was held on our last glorious fall day, his favourite season, facing a farm field and woodland. Our thanks to our pastors (and friends) Rev. Heather Myers and Rev. Russ Myers for their music, words of remembrance and comfort. One of Grayson's favourite gospel songs, "I'll Fly Away" was uplifting but especially symbolic, when an unknown pilot appeared from nowhere and seemed to hover above us - we couldn't help but chuckle, Grayson would have loved that!