Dave and I took up the bagpipes at the same time. He was a guy who mimicked every ethnic accent and unabashedly did crazy impersonations...I liked him right off the bat! I never saw him in a bad mood. Sorry I only heard you passed on almost a year after it happened:-( I'll always think of you when I play "The Dark Island"

just found out out of Dave's passing,,been a few years since I last worked with Dave he was a blast to work with a all around great guy! your now in a better place no more suffering,, my deepest sympathies to the Burley family

Dave, had the pleasure, excitement of working with you for 15 years as well as the consternation that went along with it. We had a lot of laughs, magical moments it was with great sardonic glee I got a reaction from you when the steam rolled out of your ears. I miss you already and always will.

When I remember my days at the L.C.B.O. I always remember Dave. He always could find a way to have fun and brighten up the day.

Dave, thanks for all the memories and laughs.   I will definately miss going to see the blue jays with you.    

Natalie Giraldi (LCBO)

David,

I will always remember our chats on your porch, or early in the a.m's at the streetcar stop.  Your laughter, your accents (you would put on to entertain).  An easy going guy:)  Visiting with Jackie, your music could always be heard from up in the attic.  I am so so sorry to hear of your passing. Your mom is calling to you now (or perhaps whistling).  You know what I mean.  You make your way to another journey now.  One where you are no longer suffering.  

May your family know you will be o.k, although VERY MISSED.  Thinking of all the Burleys and extended families.

You taught me the meaning of terms such as Kubliki and pluzieska. You taught me the simple humour of the fart machine.  You taught me the delicacies of the snack truck.  Eternally grateful.

To the Burley family, my sympathy to you in your great loss. Dave and I were in the same class for one year at RCI, and I didn't see him again until a Riverdale reunion at the Balmy Beach Club 2-3 years ago. We had a very good chat then, and looking back, I'm so glad I got the opportunity to do that. He was truly one of the good guys.
Rest in peace, Dave.

Dale Spraggett (Leggo)

Dave         

As I sit here and wonder how things would have turned out,
Not to have been part of your life was there ever a doubt.
I would see you again, just didn't know when.
A long time has passed, wondering how you have been.
Just to see your face one last time is something I never would have thought,
You have been on my mind all this time, something that I had always and never forgot.
The lessons that I learned from you, made each day more pleasant,
Your teachings of everyday life were such a warm and needed present.
I leave you now knowing you are safe in his arms,
No more pain or suffering, away from all harm. 
Rest with the angels, until we all will see you once more.
 We love and have missed you, things we will always adore.
Watch over us now, for one day it will come.
When we are laughing and talking and having oh so much fun.
We miss you Dave, but we are glad that you made it home.
We wouldn't have wanted it any other way even if it meant for us to be alone.
        Store 164

My deepest condolences go out to the Burley family-what a hard few years it has been for you.  I'll always remember David with a wry bemused expression at the antics that Jackie and I would get up to as kids and teenagers.  You were all great neighbours to have as a child growing up.  So sorry I cannot be there to say goodbye but you are all in my thoughts.  I hope you can take comfort in the fact that David is no longer suffering.

Deepest condolences to the Burley family. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

May I express my deepest sympathies to the Burley family at this time of loss.  David was a good and fun loving colleague that I had the pleasure of working with at the LCBO.  Anyone who knew him would agree.

GO JAYS GO!

        Kevin Wiseman (LCBO Store #217)

May I  express my deepest sympathies to the Burley family at this time of loss. David was a good and fun loving colleague that I had the pleasure of working with at the LCBO. Anyone who knew him would agree.

           Go Jays Go...
                                                  Kevin Wiseman (LCBO # 217)

To Ralph and all David's sisters and brothers.....very sorry to hear of David's passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

David was the family historian and had such a good memory.  One day, he reminded me of a story with Leslie & I at the grocery store with my mother.  Leslie asked why my mother was buying so much yeast & I piped-up that it was for making beer.

I am going to miss seeing at the Jays game with your different Jerseys.

Just one word comes to mind.  Why?
The time I spent with Burls where some of the best times.  We shared a mutual love of wine, women and song.
So many memories of the sessions we had with the staff @ 217.  My all time fav was the time I begged and begged him to bring the bagpipes to a one session @ the Wheatsheaf Tavern on a warm summer night.  I almost gave up but he finally gave in and broke out the pipes and had the whole intersection @ King/Bathurst in gridlock.  The owner wanted him to play another set!  What a night.
Oh Davey boy, the pipes the pipes are callin'. You will always be with me bud.
KD.

My I express my deepest sympathies to the Burley Family at this time of loss.   David was a good and dear colleague,  that I had the pleasure to work with for over ten years at LCBO #217.    John Spittle.

To the Burley family and the many close friends of David,please accept my condolences and deepest sympathy.

Some where, some how and in some better place, Dave is playing guitar and singing a Beatles song. We will all miss you, man. Your laughter, your smile, the twinkle in your eye, your joy for life and your incredible sense of humour and of course, your singing impersonations of Ethel Merman. Let's go Blue Jays. LCBO Leaside Store #164

So sorry to hear of Dave's passing.  I thank him for his encouraging words to me on Facebook, although we met maybe twice at RCI Alum events.  My deepest condolences to his immediate family, his father and sister Judy whom I remember well from RCI.  Rest in Peace.

Every time I try to get sad about hearing of Daves passing I find myself laughing at some thing or time he and I shared, and there were many of them.  To the guy that taught me some of the biggest words I know Peace my brother, you will remain in my thoughts forever.

Dave.
You left our world too early.
We'll be pickin' later.

Rest in peace.

Es.

My deepest sympathies for all his family and the hundreds and hundreds of lives he touched.
My favourite memory (and there were a few) is a summer night a few years back at a wedding...where we yakked most of the night .  I remember saying to myself after that night that Dave was such a soulful and thoughtful human being , who would always remain in my memory .

David, David, David...we will surely miss having you grace our lovely planet with your kindness, wit and song! Keep playing your awesome music and we'll do a few tunes when I get up there...Bravo David!! Two "fingers" up!!
Love and Prayers always!
Margie LaRose (family friend)

I'm really going to miss Dave.  I met him in Grade 3 at Roden P.S., and we remained good friends for 54 years.  We shared the same experiences and had the same eclectic tastes in music, humour, and beer.  Keep singing and laughing Burley. You always had the finger pointed in the right direction.

I will forever remember his laugh, his love of life and making our world oh so much brighter. Sending loving thoughts to the family. Carol (Sam) McCurdy

My deepest sympathies go out to Dave's loving family.  He was a bright and constant source of delight. Always a smile and a hug for everyone.  He was truly 'one of the best'.  You will be missed but remembered with love.
Cathy Day (McCurdy) - just one of the his many fans.

Rest in peace my friend. 
Although we haven't met in recent years, I enjoyed reminiscing on Facebook about our Riverdale days and the great times we had in the various bands, at the Rock Pile and just hangin out together.
We will all miss you Dave, but know you are entertaining the folks above with some uke and pipe music.
Wish I was there to see you off on your next journey.
You will be fondly remembered by us all. Condolences to the Burley family.

May you continue to entertain with your many musical talents and sense of humour.
Jacki Giddings

There are only very warm and funny memories of Dave.  He was the light in the room. My condolences to the Burley family.

Thank you to all who care about our brother;he hears your words.

Dave had the greatest sense of humor. His impressions were brilliant. We shared a love of the Beatles and all things British. Dave's intelligence and quick wit gave him the ability to talk to anyone about anything. He was one of the most unique, multi-faceted people I have ever had the privilege of knowing.
- Irene Estock

I am going to miss you buddy. I am sure somewhere you are not happy with the Jays 0-2 start but don't worry Dave they will turn it around! Hopefully where ever you are they have lots of guitar picks and good acoustics! Thanks for everything you have done for me and we will see you again one day.

For the employees at store 164 - Dave was a laugh, a song, a whistled tune and a breath of fresh air. You are missed buddy.

Store 164

Belynda Blyth - neighbour
 I will miss seeing you on your front porch playing with your ukulele,
the way you swung your leg over your bike as you sped up Woodfield Road
and how very much you remind me of your Mother. Peace my friend.

For anyone who knew him well, thinking of Dave will always trigger a smile, a laugh, or a song.
- John McCurdy

OBITUARY

David Ralph Burley

January 31, 1951 – March 30, 2013

Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home

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