Michael John Burdett “Mike”

Michael John Burdett “Mike”

Mike was born in Grantham, England, his early life interests included piano, tennis, scuba diving and drawing and he excelled at all. Mike joined the Royal Army Medical Corp where he was supported to obtain his physiotherapy degrees. Through this work he lived in Singapore, Hong Kong, Belfast and then England working as a physiotherapist and then in healthcare administration. He moved to Canada, initially to Alberta. His work in healthcare administration and strategic policy took him from Alberta to Ottawa, Manitoba and Nunavut. Mike was passionate about improving the health system for First Nations and Inuit people throughout his career.

 

Mike’s retirement years were spent first in Manitoba and then in Yukon with his partner, Sheila. Mike was an amazing pianist and enjoyed photography, chess, astronomy, golf and volunteering on various boards.  He was proud of the various outdoor home improvement projects he leisurely and precisely completed, and found this work relaxing. He was an amazing mentor to many throughout his career and life.  Mike leaves many who loved and who deeply cared for him. His last few years had many health challenges and he met each with grace, positivity and humour. He will be well remembered for his intellect, dry wit, kindness and patience. Teddy bears had a special place in his heart.

 

Mike appreciated and valued the care and friendships of all staff at Whistle Bend Place, his home away from home the last several years. Many whom he loved and loved him have passed before him including his beloved dogs. We know he is now happily reunited with ET, who he rescued as a pup. Mike was predeceased by his parents and siblings in England and leaves behind his partner Sheila and her extended family, sons Kevin (and family) and Jonothan and their mother Christine as well as family in England.