Obituary of Dana Gary Burridge

Dana Gary Burridge
February 7, 1952 – June 15, 2019

Dana Gary Burridge left this world as he lived it – with deep love in his heart for his family and great pride in his province of Newfoundland & Labrador.

Celebrating his life are his wife of 39 years, Callista (MacNeil); his five children who were his pride and joy: Danielle, Jeremy, Grant, Amy, and Katelin; daughter-in-law Karlie Alexander; sons-in-law Adam Dalton and Jake MacNeil; caring father Cecil Burridge; close siblings: Craig, Vaughn, Kathy, Calla, Debbie, and Desmond; Newfoundland in-laws: Betty Burridge, Devon Goulding, Randy Langdon, Truman Hunt, and Rhonda Burridge; Uncle Calvin Holloway; Cape Breton family: Sandra and Joe MacDonald, Johnny MacNeil, Gerard and Angela MacNeil, John and Julia Steele; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and a large circle of close friends and neighbours. 

Pre-deceased by: his dear mother Marcella, brother Darrell, and close companion of his youth - his grandfather “Gansod” George Burridge.

The highlight of Dana’s life was his family. His children will miss his one-liners, colourful quotes, endless advice, inquisitive nature, and frequent cash bailouts. They will hold fond memories of his enthusiasm for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, birthdays, and family road trips – even the ones that turned into educational field trips.

Dana cherished his role as the big brother in the Burridge family and was invested in the well-being of his siblings. He enjoyed vibrant discussions with his mother, admired the work ethic of his father, and appreciated how they provided opportunities for their family. He liked to spend time with his uncles and aunts (Cal, Otto, Bess, Roy, and Len), extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Dana (B.A., B.Ed., MUN) had a successful thirty-year career as a school teacher in Jackson’s Arm, Deer Lake and Pasadena, sharing his passion for French and social studies. He particularly identified with the struggling-but-determined student, as he himself had been one.  Initially, he had his sights set on becoming an airplane pilot. Instead, he piloted thousands of students through their elementary, junior and senior classes with his extensive knowledge, diverse strategies, dry humour and corny jokes. Dana’s strengths of engaging in friendly conversation and debate, his fantastic memory and historical knowledge enabled him to take on any topic. He was a perpetual learner through extensive reading of non-fiction, viewing documentaries, and visiting historical sites. He seized every opportunity to challenge opinions and open minds. Dana had a passion for teacher welfare and spent over a decade as an NLTA representative at local, provincial and national levels.

Outside the classroom, Dana could be found riding his motorcycle, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, taking photographs and home videos, cooking jigs dinner, baking, or playing his accordion. 

In retirement, Dana became a professional tour guide with McCarthy’s Party Tours. For five years he shared his beloved NL with many busloads of visitors. He was in his element – “just like teaching”, he would say.

Dana faced the challenges of illness with exemplary courage, stamina and acceptance. During the past four years, visits, phone calls, messages, delivered meals and treats became a lifeline for both Dana and Callista. Those who contributed in these ways helped immensely.  An additional thank-you to the healthcare professionals whose support allowed Dana to remain at home, surrounding by family.

And so, as we say goodbye, Dana will remain in our hearts and minds forever. We will stay strong as he would want us to, and as he did himself.

To remember him, drop off a meal to someone in need, volunteer in your community, pick up that musical instrument or any other thing you were putting off until tomorrow. :) 

You are welcome to visit with his family at Fillatre’s funeral home, 7:00-9:00pm on Tuesday, June 18, and attend a celebration of Dana’s life at 4:30pm on Wednesday, June 19 at Pasadena Place (10 Tenth Avenue, Pasadena).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dana’s memory to any of the following charities would be graciously appreciated: Western Memorial Regional Hospital Foundation, Islaview Foundation, Daffodil Place, Syrian Kids Foundation, or a charity of your choice.