Maurice Burnell McDonald (Bur or Red) of Kelly’s Cross North Wiltshire, PEI passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in his Ottawa home on Monday, July 31st at the age of 79.

Burnell, as he was affectionately known, was born to parents Maurice and Rita McDonald on October 16, 1937. He grew up as the second of six children and soon joined the Canadian Air Force. Burnell met and married the love of his life, Yvette (nee Arsenault). Settling in Ottawa, Ontario, the couple had five children where Burnell became a highly skilled and respected aircraft refinisher at MOT for over 35 years. Burnell & Yvette soon returned to his beloved PEI, with music, gardening and participating in Parish life to fill his days for twenty years.


Burnell is survived by his daughter, Joan Sweeney (Paul); his sons, Brian (Aurora), Kevin (Niu), Carl (Shannon) and Bruce (Jo-Ann); his sister, Mary (Kelly) brother Wendell, and is predeceased by his brother Clifford (Fran) and half brothers Carl and Frederick Hagen. Burnell cherished his grandchildren Sean, Shannon, Ryan, Shayla & Caitlyn, Kelsey, Augusta and welcomed his first great-grandson Isaac.

The funeral Mass at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish with the cremated remains will be on Thursday, August 3rd at 2pm with a light reception to follow. The family is grateful for condolences, and wishes that any donations in lieu of flowers be directed to CurePSP Canada.