The family of Dutch Burnham wishes to announce his peaceful passing on Oct 25, 2025, at the Lacombe Hospital surrounded by his children. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Patricia (nee Davidson); his children Kimberly Burnham, Kathy (John) Nelson, Susan Hughes and Thor (Lucia) Burnham; 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; his brother Jack (Gail) Burnham; his sister in-law Shirley Burnham; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and a plethora of friends. He was predeceased by his older brother Ron and son-in-law Robert Hughes. Thorald Glen Burnham was born in Cardston, Alberta June 22, 1942. As a child, Dutch’s family moved frequently to homes in Alberta and British Columbia. He finished his secondary schooling at Strathcona High School in Edmonton and then attended the University of Alberta, where he pursued joint degrees in Science and Education. It was there he met Pat, and they married in 1961. Their four children were the primary focus of their busy lives. Later, their grandchildren were a source of great joy for Dutch and Pat, and they cherished the time they spent together with family. They could be counted on to come for any special event and help in any way they could. The great-grandchildren were the proverbial icing on the cake and Dutch delighted in seeing their personalities develop. Dutch began his teaching career in Bentley in 1962, transferring to the newly opened Lacombe Composite High School in 1967. He was a teacher, vice-principal and principal, and retired after 35 years with the County of Lacombe (now Wolf Creek School division). He was committed to LCHS and its students and staff (and computer labs). Soon after retiring, he began a second career as an IT consultant and later worked with Advanced Systems in various capacities until recently. He also taught education courses at Canadian Union College, now Burman University. Dutch had a great love for the community of Lacombe and was highly involved in supporting it with both his time and his resources. He participated in Kinsmen, where he enjoyed the fellowship that developed as they did various service projects such as hosting the annual rodeo. Later he joined Rotary International and had fond memories of Friday lunch meetings, the yearly Steak and Lobster event, and the many international exchange students that lived in their home. Dutch also served on the board of the public library, including fundraising for the new Mary C. Moore Public Library building. He was a voracious reader and believed that books were one of life’s great pleasures. In his younger years, he was an avid curler and golfer. Dutch was also dedicated to his faith community in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He spent countless hours serving in leadership and other service positions. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm November 1, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4049 – 63 Ave, Lacombe, AB. Special thanks to the hospital and home care staff who were compassionate and highly skilled. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mary C Moore Public Library or A Better World.
More information: https://www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca/obituary/ThoraldDutch-Burnham
