John Allan BURBAGE

It is with profound grief that the family of John Burbage share that he passed away December 24, 2025 at Sherbrooke Community Centre, Saskatoon, SK

John Allan Burbage was born December 26,1945 in North York Township, Ontario. He was the youngest child and only son of Allan Eugen Burbage and Louisa May Burbage ( nee Jones). He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Joyce, Kathleen, Mary Lou and nephew, Joe. He is survived by his wife Jeanne and son Adam (Meagan) and several nieces and a nephew.

He was an excellent student and enjoyed a variety of sports throughout his youth. His father faithfully flooded a rink in the backyard every winter for all the neighbourhood  younsters to enjoy. John loved to tell stories of his first job at age twelve, walking to movies and paying 25 cents for admittance, a drink and a bag of popcorn.

After graduating high school at age 16 he began a lifelong career at various sales positions. His friendly, approachable personally helped him be successful at selling shoes ( Agnew Surpass), furniture (The Bay), two – way radios (Motorola ) and real estate (Century 21). The Travelodge, The Saskatoon Inn and Marriott Reservation Call Centre were all part of his varied employment over the years.

John and Jeanne’s  (nee Keith ) unlikely love story began with a chance meeting in Calgary and John shortly moved to Saskatoon.   They were married a few months later in the summer of 1980.  An improbable meeting and 45 year marriage between a big city guy and a teacher from a Saskatchewan farm near Sovereign was a remarkable romance.   

His love of music led to a brief career as a rock musician with some buddies in Toronto. Performing with “ The Crew”  was always an exceptionally special time in his life. Managing a disco in Vancouver, BC was another source of great memories.

John’s creativity was often expressed with wood working projects.  Adam and his friends spent many hours playing in the “sand castle” that John built.  The other precious projects for him were the Christmas houses he and Jeanne created together.  John would address potential customers with “Pick a ‘House’ and I’ll tell you its story.”

John took great pleasure in reading, golfing and barbecuing (especially JB burgers and Greek ribs).  He took great pride in the yard – a neatly trimmed lawn to compliment all the flowers.  John loved the pets that enriched our lives for over 30 years.  Several cats and one very special dog recognized that John was a loving pet owner with a lap to curl up on and a hand to pet and caress them. 

John loved to watch CFL, NFL, hockey, curling and basketball.  He stayed totally loyal to his Toronto Maple Leafs.  But did become a Roughrider fan and celebrated their Grey Cup win this fall.

John was all in when Jeanne suggested that they sell Harry Mason Designer Jewellry.  And so Burbage Boutique was created and retirement took a totally different turn.  John was ever the gifted salesman and his charm and sincerity sold many earrings.  Travelling to trade shows throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta was a wonderful retirement gig.

California was the favourite vacation destination.  Family visits, wine tours to Sonoma, exploring special locations with our personal tour guide (Jeanne’s brother), relaxing in Palm Springs gave him so much pleasure. 

The most important event in John and Jeanne’s lives was the arrival of their son Adam.  John never ceased to marvel at and be proud of his son. 

John enjoyed the move to the condo in 2017 and for a short time was the fire marshall for the building.  His favourite social event was the Thursday happy hour sitting in the recreation room exchanging stories with the neighbours. 

In recent years Adam introduced him to Lego and he had fun building Lego vehicles – his favourite, a firetruck, was complete with lights and sirens. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Bill Riley Memorial Recreation Room at Spruce Grove Manor, 103 Keevil Cres, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan.