Frank Burnett
January 15, 1940 - April 3, 2026
In the early hours of Good Friday, at the age of 86. Frank James Burnett was called home to God. He peacefully passed surrounded by the love of his family. Beloved husband of Juin. Loving father of Michelle (Niall), Heather (Kevin) and David. Loving grandfather to Maddie, Niamh, Clare, Maykayla, Noah, Nathan, Emma, Stephen and Jacob. Predeceased by his mother, father and brothers in Scotland.
A life dedicated to education, he began his teaching career in England. Upon moving to Canada, he was assigned, in 1969, to Bruce-Grey County to a one-room school house in Mildmay, ON. A teacher soon became a principal. His sense of adventure would eventually take him and his family up north to Hornepayne, ON where he was the principal of Hornepayne Public School and Hornepayne High School. A passionate advocate, he strove to make a difference wherever he worked. His last stop in education, before a well-deserved retirement, was as principal at Jean Vanier and St. Francis schools in the LDCSB.
There are many wonderful stories we could tell about Frank’s life. Most importantly, Frank was a faith-filled man who always held on to hope. He accepted dying with grace, dignity and courage. His words after understanding he would be transitioning to palliative care were, “If we truly believe in the resurrection, which I do, then I have nothing to fear.”
The family would like to thank staff at University Hospital, London who helped with the transition to palliative care at home. Their compassion and comfort will always be remembered. Dr. MacIsaac, Dr.Vallani, Dr. Berry and the day and night shift nurses who took great care of Frank during his brief stay in hospital. Thank you to Surya and the other nurses of St. Elizabeth as well as to Bill and Ven from VON for their night shift help when Frank was at home.
Visitors will be received at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Road N., London (519) 641-1793 on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. George’s Parish, 1164 Commissioners Road W., London on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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Frank, as Principal of Hornepayne Public School was able to transform a school into a loving and caring community, It was a joy to be part of it. He genuinely cared for and supported each teacher and each student. He lived his principles and values. His Community involvement and ability to create and take part in fun activities, are fondly remembered. My heartfelt condolences to you, Juin and family for your loss.
Juin, our condolences to you and your family. I am pleased that we did meet again and really appreciated the email and phone calls with Frank. He was very special to me back in 1969 and he remained so all these years later. Frank's support, kindness and mentorship will be fondly remembered.
Dear Michelle and family, May you be comforted by the fond memories of your father. His goodness and kindness have lasting impressions on so many. Oh, that unforgettable smile!
Dearest Juin, I was so saddened to learn about the passing of your beloved Frank. I pray that you will be surrounded by the love, caring and support of family and friends during this saddest time in your life. May you and your family receive the gifts of peace, hope, comfort, and light on your grief journey ahead. May it bring you some comfort knowing that the beautiful love you all shared is forever. Love never dies. Sending comforting hugs from my heart to yours, Juin. Joanne (Pasch) Armstrong
A donation has been made to Canadian Cancer Society. Message from the donator: Always in our hearts and prayers.
Juin and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Frank…..your loving husband, dad and grandfather. Please know I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you all my condolences. Carol Joynt
So sorry to hear of Frank's passing. We worked together in Hornepayne and our professional lives met up again in London. He was always thinking of his students' best interests and he will leave a legacy in education. Condolences to his family. Rick & Dianne Rumney
We are so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He was a very special guy with a great sense of humour and was always an unbelievable friend to my dad and mom. Frank will definitely be missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We were fortunate for the time that Frank and his family lived in Hornepayne. His leadership as school principal and his wisdom and compassion for helping others will be always remembered as well as the many happy activities we experienced. We wish peace and strength to Juin and her family and friend.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Frank was truly a special man, and he will always be remembered by me and my family. The love and kindness he showed my dad, especially as we were losing him to Alzheimer’s, brought so much comfort and joy to all of us. His visits meant just as much to our family as they did to my dad, and we will always be grateful for that. The world feels dimmer without these two incredible men. Please accept my deepest condolences, and know that I’m here if there’s anything at all I can do.
A donation has been made to Canadian Cancer Society. Message from the donator: I’m so sorry for your loss. Frank was truly a special man, and he will always be remembered by me and my family. The love and kindness he showed my dad, especially as we were losing him to Alzheimer’s, brought so much comfort and joy to all of us. His visits meant just as much to our family as they did to my dad, and we will always be grateful for that. The world feels dimmer without these two incredible men. Please accept my deepest condolences, and know that I’m here if there’s anything at all I can do.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Frank. A great educator and a faith filled man that always had a smile to share. He will be missed. Be assured of my prayers.
Deepest sympathy to you Juin and to your family Frank was a wonderful teacher and very friendly gentleman Will be indeed missed by all who knew him
So very sorry to hear of Mr Burnett’s passing. He was a wonderful educator, and he, with his family, were good neighbours. Condolences to all
God bless you uncle frank ,rest in eternal peace love and miss you 💔 Joanne and family (uk)
Sorry to hear of Mr. Burnett's passing. Memories of the math tricks he taught come to mind, such as doing multiplication with your fingers. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Sorry to learn of Frank’s passing, he was a good person who possessed a wonderful sense of humour and a deep commitment to his profession. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
My sympathy to all of you. Please be assured of prayers for the repose of Frank’s soul. May he enjoy eternal happiness.
Services for Frank Burnett
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
April 7, 2026 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Funeral Mass will be held at:
St. George Parish
11 Commissioners Road West,
London, Ontario
April 8, 2026 11:00 am
Additional Service information
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A wonderful man and teacher 🙏
~ Kimberly