BURRELL, Don G.
December 24, 1954 - January 4, 2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and brother, Don G. Burrell, on January 4, 2021, after a short but valiant battle with cancer. He will forever be in the hearts of his wife, soul mate, and best friend, Jayne, his daughter Laura Dennis (Matt), sister Joan Hamlin (Steve), and his dear friend and colleague Kristy Daniels (Russ). Providing a loving welcome into heaven were Don's mother, Clara Burrell, father, William Burrell, and step-son Andrew Taylor-eddy.
Don was born and raised in BC. He graduated from Burnaby Central Secondary in 1972, attended UBC, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1980 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1981. He was admitted to the British Columbia Bar in 1982. With a strong interest in the real estate industry, Don also earned a Diploma in Urban Land Economics from the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration at UBC (now the Sauder School of Business).
Don was the founding principal of Magellan Real Estate Law Corporation. In his solicitor's practice, he focused on residential real estate conveyancing and mortgages, commercial real estate, commercial banking, and wills and estates. He considered it both a great honour and privilege to serve the community of Langley for over three decades.
Don was generous with his time and financial support for local community initiatives, including serving on the Board of Directors of Stepping Stone Community Services, an organization that provides mental health, homelessness, and housing services for people in Langley.
Don's generosity in giving of himself with his steadfast devotion and loyalty to family and friends leaves us all with many memories to cherish. Quite simply, he was a good and caring person.
Don and Jayne's wedding vows spoke to the sunshine each brought to the other's soul; they were inseparable and enjoyed spending all of their free time together. Favourite memories include their winter vacations in Palm Springs, Camano Island get-always with Joan and Steve, Sunday drives, cheering on the Canucks, Lions, and Seahawks, and quiet times at home with great food, wine, and their beloved pets, especially Don's dog, Bailey.
Don said he saved the best gift for last, and indeed he did, flooding his hospice room with brilliant sunshine engulfing the "light of his life" Jayne and his "little girl" Laura in the warmest and most comforting of all embraces. The final gift was the summoning of all his strength for one last hug and to tell his little girl he loved her to bits. Don passed away peacefully with his beloved Jayne by his side and his favourite Jimmy Buffet song playing in the background.
Mere words can not express our gratitude for the quality and compassionate care provided to our beloved Don by his family physician of more than 40 years, Dr. Geoff Edwards, the doctors and nurses of Abbotsford hospital's intensive and palliative care units, and the final comfort care provided by Holmberg House.
If family and friends desire, a donation made in Don's memory to Stepping Stone Community Services would be greatly appreciated by all who knew and loved Don.