I’m not one that commonly will be found posting verses from the Bible, but this was one of my father’s favorite verses, and also the verse from which the University of Alberta’s motto – Quaecumque vera - comes.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Solace
Summer sunshine
Saskatoon-stained fingers
Silent remembrances of you

We are sad to announce the death of Dr. Ronald Allan McLean Burwash – loved son, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and researcher. Ron was born in Edmonton to Adam and Mary Burwash and grew up in the Garneau area. Like his beloved older sisters Margo and Isobel, he showed academic promise early and started university at the age of 16. After completing a degree in chemistry and a teaching diploma, he taught high school in Athabasca, an experience that left him with a lifetime of stories and, most importantly, the love of his life, Ruth. After a lengthy engagement, during which time they both attended university and Ron started his career as a geologist, they married and moved to Minnesota, where Ron completed his Ph.D. in geology. After working briefly in the corporate world, Ron was recruited by the University of Alberta Department of Geology, where he was an award-winning teacher, supervisor and researcher. After formally retiring, he persisted with his work as a scholar, completing a final paper the day before he suffered a heart attack. He continued to explore the central questions of his scientific research until a few weeks before his death. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 59 years, Ruth, his daughter Susan (John Vellacott), son Brock (Kathryn), and daughter Beth (Doug Nelson), grandchildren Grace, Adam (Megan), Jocelyn, Murray, Lindsay, Lauren, his brother in law Dr. Brian Evans, his MacDonald nephews, the Moore and McLean families, his geology colleagues and students and his friends. The family thanks the dedicated staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Hospice Unit at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital, and Drs. D. Chang, A. Huot, and D. Behn-Smith. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Ronald and Ruth Burwash Scholarship at the University of Alberta, the Amyloidosis Support Network (http://www.thecasn.org/index.php), St. Paul’s United Church or a charity of your choice.

As if this rehearsal will
Make even slightly easier
The final act of goodbye

I feel gutted
Eviscerated
Hollow

Breathing sorrow
In and out
As I swim and am swept along
Through these summer days