Patrick Burroughs

BURROUGHS, Patrick Sydney Forrest…

October 23, 1940 – April 29, 2026

Our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and dedicated violin Teacher, Patrick Sydney Forrest Burroughs, passed away in hospital on April 29, 2026, following a loving vigil kept by his family.

Born in Victoria, British Columbia on October 23, 1940, Patrick spent his high school years in Trail, BC, where he was inspired by many musical friends of his parents. He studied at the University of Toronto, where his lifelong passion for music and teaching took root. He went on to become an inspiring and highly respected high school music teacher at Richview Collegiate Institute and Newtonbrook Secondary School. During this time, he created the Bach Youth Ensemble, performed many concerts, and led the group on a memorable European tour, leaving a lasting impression on his students.

In 1976, Patrick became Professor at the Faculty of Education at Western University in London, Ontario, and was Assistant Dean at the Faculty of Music in the early 1980s. He served as Assistant Director to Tom Rolston at the Banff School of Fine Arts from 1976 to 1981. Having also been a student there earlier in his life, Banff held a special place in his heart, and he deeply cherished his time there.

Patrick was the first conductor of the Woodstock Strings, which he led for 20 years. He was the founding director of the Forest City School for Talent Education, now known as the Forest City School for Strings.

Patrick was predeceased by his parents, Patrick Elton Burroughs and Dorothy Eileen (née Horswill), his brother Michael Horswill Burroughs, and his beloved first wife, Jeannetta Marion (née House). He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Bonnie Shewan Burroughs; his cherished daughter, Lisa Ntantoulis (Dean); his much-loved stepchildren, Paul Jeffrey (Rodica), Sarah Jeffrey (Gabriel), and Mark Jeffrey (Ellen); and his adored grandchildren, Marina, Grace, Evelyn, Thomas, Aidan, and Amelia.

Patrick’s legacy lives on through the many students he inspired, the communities he enriched, and the family he cherished.

The funeral service for Patrick will be held on Monday, May 4th, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church, 227 Wharncliffe Road North, London with a reception following. Donations in Patrick’s memory may be made to St. George’s Anglican Church, to Forest City School for Strings, or to a music charity of your choosing.

We are deeply grateful to the Verspeeten Cancer Centre at Victoria Hospital, especially Dr. Saini, who cared for Patrick over many years, and to all the staff at the ODU for the exceptional care he received under them.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com