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Burton (Burt) Clyde Witham

Burton was born in Minot, North Dakota on September 1, 1919. He was raised in a loud and loving family of eleven children in Surrey, North Dakota. After high school he moved to Mohall, North Dakota to work for the Farmers Union. Burt joined the U.S. army in February, 1943 and served overseas during World War II. At the end of the war he returned to Mohall and married Louise Nelson on May 12, 1946. They were married for 67 years and had two children, John and Nan.

Burt’s wide range of interests and abilities brought him a number of opportunities throughout his life. Jobs in the propane business took the family to Regina, Saskatchewan in 1960 and to Fort McMurray, Alberta in 1964. In 1968 the family moved to Smithers, BC, where they lived until his retirement. Burt enjoyed mastering new skills. His many careers included carpentry, owning a tire and muffler shop and working as a millwright in gold mines in B.C and the Northwest Territories.

Burt and Louise loved to travel and camp. After retirement they travelled extensively in their RV. From 1990–1995 they lived full time in their fifth-wheel trailer, spending winters travelling in Arizona and California and summers as campground hosts near Fairview, Alberta. Burt loved to meet new people. He was happiest when he was talking to fellow campers and lending a hand with their RV’s!

Burt and Louise moved to Cherry Grove Estates in Oliver, BC in 1995. Burt’s days were filled with golf, pool, dancing and handyman work around the park. He became part of the Social Committee and he and Louise enjoyed the pot lucks and dances, as well as entertaining neighbours and friends on their deck. In 2011, Burt and Louise moved to Mariposa Gardens in Osoyoos, BC where he passed away peacefully on April 26, 2014 at 94 years.

Burton was predeceased by his wife Louise, son John, parents Blaine and DiaDama and eleven brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter Nan Bartlett (David), grandchildren Zackary Witham (Samantha), Kristin Witham (Charlie Peasley), Blaine Bartlett (Kristie), Brady Bartlett (Josefine Natterqvist) and numerous nieces and nephews. The family appreciates the kindness of the Mariposa staff who became like a family to Burt.

Services for Burton will be held at a later date.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.



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