Alexandra Mackenzie (Sandi) Burns
January 24, 2026
Sandi died peacefully at Parkwood Institute, London on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Always, Sandi delighted in her husband and children. She loved her family so. She has said goodbye for now to her best friend and lifelong companion and husband, David and her children, Drew, Kam and Ashleigh. Her “brilliant and talented” grandchildren, Lilliana and Bentley Travis and Neveah Lesage-Rosewell will miss their Gran.
She was pre-deceased by her parents, Elizabeth Chamberlain (2009) and Anthony Hignett (2021).
Being part of a large family created through remarriages, the children of her parents and step-parents provided Sandi with many siblings, including Kate (Jeff), Mike (Agatha), Barb (Dennis), Kelly (Mike) and Steve (Kathy).
Sandi was loud and larger-than-life. She was a doer who persevered until the job was complete. Sandi loved exploring a beach, the forest, or the urban landscape, always looking at the changing vista.
Sandi was a loyal friend and companion to her circle, and her circle was vast, covering Canada, England and the United States. She was well-loved and cherished and nurtured that love in return.
Her absence will be sorely felt in her parish, where she was active on Parish Council and served as Lay Reader, as well as a variety of positions over the years; and among her former colleagues at Fanshawe College, many of whom have been treasured friends.
Sandi was a lifelong member of Scouts Canada. She worked with youth in the Cub section and supported adult volunteers at all levels, from the local section to the National Board of Governors. Her experience of over 50 years assisted many youth and volunteers over the years. This commitment resulted in Sandi being awarded the Silver Wolf by Scouts Canada (2015) and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers (2022).
Sandi lived life to the fullest. She honed the skill of finding the silver linings in dark clouds and humour in the absurd. Even during recent times, laughter occurred frequently. “I am just too fun a person to die like this,” she would rightly declare, as she endured yet another procedure with characteristic stoicism. What a gift it was to her family that her last weeks could be spent at home, where Sandi hosted small gatherings of her family.
Sandi’s hospitality was boundless. Her door was always open, not only to family and friends in search of a cup of coffee and a chat, but also to adventurers passing through, and to those in need of refuge for whatever reason. Most warmly welcomed were her grandchildren, who brought her great joy and learned to share her many pleasures – reading, lively debate, travel, a glass of good wine, freshly brewed coffee, chocolate (!) and the joy of a great find.
A woman of great intelligence and insight, Sandi was a tireless advocate for the underdog, the disenfranchised and the marginalized. She longed for a more just world.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate her life on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, London. A funeral service will take place at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 1246 Oxford Street West, London at 11:00 a.m. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed by the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Scouts Canada’s “No One Left Behind” program or The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) would be appreciated.
Leave a tribute for Alexandra Mackenzie (Sandi) Burns
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I cannot imagine that I now have to say that my dear friend Sandi "was." Sandi has a special place in my heart. Good friends are hard to come by. With shared values, shared concerns, love of intriguing architecture and fine china ware such as Fitz and Floyd, love of Scouting and what it offers youth. All would be discussed over a pot of tea. Sandi lived life with such great integrity. She was loyal, honest, kind, thoughtful, trustworthy, cheerful in times of joy and in times of challenge. For Scouters, we got to see a woman who stove to live/ demonstrate the Scout Promise and Law. As a friend her trust, reliability, compassion, and steadfastness will be forever treasured. Sandi was a force of life. She lived life with always thinking of how she could make the future better for all she cared for. I will miss her beyond description. To her loved ones, whom she cherished and who were her joy, David, Drew, Kameron, Ashleigh, her grandchildren, and her siblings, my most sincere sympathy. Heaven has gained a mighty angel.
I’m sorry that we were neighbours for such a brief time. Obviously Sandi was a very special person and I wish I’d had the opportunity to get to know her. Dave, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Cherish the memories.
Sandi was one of the first educators that I encountered at Fanshawe College, in her capacity as Coordinator of the School of Building Technology’s Architectural Technology program. Her first and second semester AutoCAD classes were foundational and unquestionably contributed significantly to the program’s popularity with students. Her technical knowledge was balanced by a deep love for the history of the built world, which manifested itself in her first semester History of Architecture course. Sandi did the heavy lifting necessary to ensure that the program and its students excelled. A true warrior, Sandi fought hard for what she believed in. She was particularly proud of the President’s Distinguished Achievement Team Award that the program received in 2010. Sandi was always busy outside of the college as well – whether with Scouts Canada, her church or family. And, of course, she was proud as punch of her grandchildren whose pictures sat looking at her from the desk of her work cubicle. May she rest in peace.
Sandi was a beautiful, kind soul. My heart is with you all during this time of loss. May you find comfort in loving, cherished memories.
I remember scouter Sandi when I was a scout. She was a wealth of knowledge and a joy to be around. She will be greatly missed by many. My condolences to the family.
My sincere condolences to Sandi’s family. I worked with Sandi in my previous role as an executive with Scouts Canada, during which time Sandi was a board member. Sandi was a wonderful person to work with - kind, funny, and deeply committed to living a life driven by her core values. This is a huge loss not just to Sandi’s family and friends, but also to those like me who were touched by Sandi’s warmth, as well as to Scouts Canada, to which Sandi gave so much of her time and energy.
David and family, I am deeply saddened to learn of Sandi’s passing. She was a dynamic person and dedicated educator. I will always remember her passion for architectural history and commitment to her students. May you find comfort in the many memories you created during your life with Sandi. Sincere condolences, Dan Douglas
Dear David and family my heart and prayers are with you on the loss of a dear wife, mother and grandmother. I had the pleasure of working with Sandi for many years until her retirement from Fanshawe College. Keep her close to your heart and her memories will always be with you. Sandi will be dearly missed by many. Sending prayers. Sharon Dale
David, my sincerest condolences to you and your family. I had the pleasure to work with Sandi at Fanshawe College, her smile and laughter will be missed.
David and family . So sorry for your loss, sending my sincere condolences to you and your family.
You was a beloved children of God we will always have you in are hearts rip Sandi
My deepest sympathies to Sandi’s family. She was a great mentor and teacher to me when I attended Fanshawe College. She stayed in contact with me for 20 years after and was always full of encouragement and great insight. I’m saddened and feel a great loss.
My sincere condolences to Sandi's family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Sandi at Fanshawe for many years. She will be missed.
I have many great memories being taught by Sandi in the architectural technology program at Fanshawe College, many many years ago.... We shared many a laugh over the years. She will always be remembered kindly and with a smile
Mr Burns and family. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I remember we meet Sandi and you at CJ 07. Is 19 years ago. Always nice to see Sandi at camps. Always love all. Lucy
David, sending condolences and hugs to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Sandi was an incredible woman who gave so much to everyone around her. Hoping your cherished memories bring some comfort at this incredibly difficult time. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
A donation has been made. Message from the donator: Our most sincere condolences Dave and family. I treasured our friendship and will miss Sandi immensely. I have many wonderful memories of our time together at Annandale, Glendale and Fanshawe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Love, Frank and Cathie Schonberger
David and family, We shed our tears and loss with you. Sandi will never be forgotten by all those who know her. She had a heart with room for all of us to share. And will be lovingly missed. May she rest peacefully.❤️
My sincerest condolences to Sandi's family and friends. I met Sandi back in the early 90s when we attended teacher training together for Fanshawe College. I immediately liked her and found her to be enthusiastic and full of energy and ideas. We didn't see each other much over the years because we taught in different schools at the college, but whenever I ran into her we had a talk as if we had never been apart. Her smile lit up a room. I know she will be dearly missed by so many. My thoughts are with you all.
On behalf of the Fanshawe College Retirees’ Association, our condolences are extended to Sandi’s family and friends. She was an Architecture professor in the School of Building Technology & Design at Fanshawe College.
David and family - I am so sorry for your loss. Sandi was an amazingly energetic woman with so much love for her family. She will be dearly missed.
David and family Please accept our condolences on your loss. It was a pleasure to work with Sandi at Fanshawe College for many years. We are currently in New Zealand but will be thinking of you and your family while we are away. David and Nancy Tustin
Sandi spent the last 25 years, since the turn of the century, with the 70th London Scouts. For the last 15 of those I have had the honour and pleasure of calling Sandi, my friend, a mentor, a volunteer and someone I could 100% rely on. Sandi had many roles with the 70th over this period, but more recently ensured that I, as Group Commissioner, could do my job to the best of my ability. Sandi was always there for me and the group as a whole. Her knowledge of scouting was unmatched and if she didn't know the answer, she knew someone who did and would always come up with it. The youth having great adventures was always #1. Sandi will be missed by all of us at the 70th, but Sandi will never be forgotten and will always be a part of our scouting family. Our deepest condolences to her David, her family and all of her scouting family that will miss her. I'm sure she will watch over us all as we continue our journies.
Sandi was larger than life, full of energy for the people and causes she cared about, and warmth for those who would help alongside her. I regret that my time knowing and working with Sandi was short. I am glad that she was so fulfilled in the time she gave to organizations like Scouts Canada. Kids across our country are more fulfilled through the adventures she facilitated, whether directly as a Scouter or indirectly across her many administrative roles. I will miss her wise counsel and many stories which she always found time to share. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and to all who grieve her loss today.
David - I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there for the visitation but I am currently out of the country. My deepest condolences to you and your children. Sandi was dynamic to say the least and she will be missed. Ralph
Services for Alexandra Mackenzie (Sandi) Burns
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
January 30, 2026 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
St. Aidan's Anglican Church
1246 Oxford Street West
London, Ontario
January 31, 2026 11:00 am
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Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Treasure the many loving memories you have of Sandi. She will be remembered for her passion in teaching, scouting and her love of her family. We deeply regret that we are unable to attend her service but know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you, family and friends.
~ Mike, Kelly Pos and family