Obituary of Richard Alan Burpee FEC., P.Eng.

We announce the passing of Richard Alan Burpee, FEC., P.Eng. of Saint John, NB, on April 18^th, 2024.  His life was one of family, community, and professionalism. His departure leaves a void that will be felt by many, from his loving family to the numerous lives he touched through his professional and volunteer work.

Richard was born April 23, 1941 in Saint John to his parents Guy Allen and E. Dorethea (Meurling) Burpee.  He and his wife of 60 years, Anne Louise (Lewell), were a beacon of dedication, raising two sons, David Alan (Anne Marie) and Brian Arthur (Geraldine Lynn) that inherited his spirit of community service and professional integrity.  His grandchildren Christopher, Sarah (Ryan Brown), Nick (Chantel Stack) and Jennifer and great-grandchildren Bennett Burpee, Lucy Brown and Henry Brown will carry forward the values he instilled, ensuring his influence will continue to resonate for generations.  He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Peter (Marilyn), David (late Donna) and Ken (Linda) Lewell and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by his infant great-granddaughter Rowan Avery Burpee.

He was a dedicated family man.  Many family vacations were taken across Canada and the US.  Later in his career and in retirement, Richard and Anne travelled extensively throughout the world and ultimately wintered in Palm Hill, Florida.  When in Saint John, they hosted many gatherings for family and friends.

Richard's life was one marked by achievement and service.  A proud West Saint Johner, a graduate of Saint John High School and UNB, with a BSc in Electrical Engineering.  Richard led a fulfilling career, which spanned four decades, at Civic Hydro of Saint John, culminating in his role as President & CEO of Saint John Energy.  His professional accolades were many, reflecting a career dedicated to excellence and innovation in his field.  He was a Professional Engineer of the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of NB (APEGNB) and Fellow Engineer of Canada. 

Beyond his professional life, Richard was a man of the community.  His contributions to various professional and charitable organizations were numerous and included: Canadian Electrical Association Board of Directors, Canadian Standards Association, Canadian Electrical Code Part 1 CAN/CSA – C235, APEGNB Executive Board and various committees, Saint John Board of Trade, Apprenticeship & Occupational Certification Board of NB, Electrical Installation & Inspection Advisory Board of NB, SJ Executive Association, Saint John EMO, President of Cedar Hill Greenwood Cemetery, Past President of NB Scouts, Past President of the NB Museum, Past President of Probus, Past President of the Union Club,  Past President of the Canadian Red Cross NB Division, Past Member of the Board of Governors Canadian Red Cross and various National Committees, Past Chair of the Loch Lomond Villa Foundation, Past Warden of St. George’s Church, Mason with Carleton Union Lodge, NB Iron Ring Ceremony for Future Engineers, Past Executive Member of the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton, Past Board Member of Atlantic Health Sciences Corp, Past Chair of the Science & Technology Committee of the SJ Bicentennial that established the Aitken Bicentennial Exhibition Centre, Past President of the Carleton Curling Club and Past President of the SPCA. 

Richard’s true passion was the Luxor Shriners of NB (https://luxorshriners.com/).  Through this fraternal philanthropic organization, that provides pediatric sub-specialty healthcare to children, he was a 50+ year member and Past Potentate (provincial president) of the Luxor Shriners A.A.O.N.M.S. and Past Member of the Board of Governors Shriners Hospitals for Children Montreal (member emeritus).  In this capacity, he and Anne travelled extensively throughout North America promoting Luxor Shriners, Saint John and NB.

His legacy of service earned him numerous awards that were a testament to his impact on society: the Queen’s Jubilee Medal – 2003, APEGNB Citizens Award, Thomas J. Higgins Award, Medal of Merit Boy Scouts of Canada, Fellow Engineer of Canada, Canadian Standards Association Award of Merit, Life Member APEGNB, Order of Red Cross Canada, Certificate of Merit NB Red Cross, Badge of Service NB Red Cross, and Distinguished Service NB Red Cross and earned an 8-ender award in curling.

As we celebrate Richard's life, we are reminded of the indelible mark he left on the community.  His story is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of those around him.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424) where visitation will take place on Monday, April 22 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM and Tuesday, April 23 from 2:00 - 8:00 PM.  A Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held on Wednesday, April 24 at 11:00 AM from Brenan’s Chapel.  Interment will take place in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Luxor Shriners Transportation Fund or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.