Patrick Burroughs
Died: April 29, 2026 | Place: London, Ontario
Services
Service
Monday, May 4, 2026
11:00 am
St. George’s Anglican Church
227 Wharncliffe Road North
London, Ontario
N6H 2B6
Obituary
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
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Judith Brown - Forest City School for Strings
Judith Brown - St. George's Anglican Church
Marion McDougall - Forest City School for Strings
Gary & Anne-Marie Shewan - Forest City School for Strings
Jack Shewan & Petra Haskell - Forest City School for Strings
Barb and Kirby Julian - Forest City School for Strings
David & Lois Parker - Forest City School for Strings
Penny macfarlane - St. George's Anglican Church
Cathy,Scott, Debbie and Bryan Clark - St. George's Anglican Church
Ryan and Miles Haskins - St. George's Anglican Church
Dave,Lisa, Kristen, Marissa and Sienna D’Souza - Forest City School for Strings
Wendy Seravalle-Smith - Forest City School for Strings
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Patrick was a wonderful mentor during my Bachelor of Education days at Western in 1978 – 1979, and a great colleague during my teaching career. Many great memories. My thoughts are with family and students and London teaching colleagues through the grieving journey.
It’s hard to put into words how impactful and significant Pat Burroughs has been to me and so many others. He was a remarkable violin teacher and a remarkably kind and caring man. I owe so much of what I know about music and how to teach to him, and am so thankful to have been one of his many students. Much love and thank you
I remember Patrick from his years as the Conductor of The Woodstock Strings. I was an avid fan of the Strings and served on their Board for a couple of years. My condolences to you as you mourn his loss.
During my year of teacher training at Western in 1982- 83, Patrick was the professor for our small string class. He gently guided us in various string class pedagogies and how to build a string program. Extremely thankful for his encouragement, support, and wisdom. Condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and students.
What fond memories I have of Pat and all the contributions he gave to our family in the Suzuki years of violin lessons. Thinking of you Bonnie and all the family and hoping your memories give you peace through this sad time of grieving.
Penny and the Macfarlane family
Dear Lisa,
What do we remember about your lovely home and your parents? There was music, laughter, smiles, community, kindness and friendship. We are all thinking of you ~ from the Hammond’s
To the family of Pat–On behalf of London Symphonia, please accept my deepest condolences. Professor Burroughs’ (Pat’s) impact and legacy continues to be felt and noted. His deep commitment to working with students through musical engagement enriched the lives of many and his support for the various musical communities in London and beyond was greatly appreciated. May the memories bring you warmth as you reflect on a rich life well lived. Betty Anne Younker, Chair, LS Board.
We were lucky to get to know Pat. Our sons Adrian and Erik always looked forward to each violin lessons with Pat and playing at Forest City School for Strings for the last 8 years . True gentleman, generous soul and dedicated teacher who taught from the bottom of his heart with full attention to individual traits of each student. Real class. We join the wife Bonnie, Pat’s daughter and son who he often mentioned as well as all grandchildren whose faces we know from the photos in deep sorrow.
I’ll always remember Uncle Pat teaching me Suzuki violin and his utter glee when I finally got a particular rhythm correct during a recital. His contributions to the world of music will play on for generations. Sending our deepest condolences to Bonnie and family and to my cousin Lisa and her family. May happy memories of Patrick comfort you in the days ahead. Much love, Jen and Jeff
Pat was a loving, caring person who patiently provided opportunities for my children to play violin and cello. My prayers are with Bonnie and all of their family as they navigate this new reality.
I was deeply saddened to learn of Pat’s passing. As a formerr student and member of the Woodstock Strings, I will always cherish the profound and lasting influence he had on my musical journey. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time. My thoughts are with Pat’s family.
Our sincere condolences to Pat’s family and especially Lisa. Our daughter Ann was taught by Pat in the ’90s and we especially remember a Corelli Concert with the Woodstock Strings in 1991. Music has always played a part in our family’s life and we are grateful for Pat’s contribution to this.
Susan & Doug McGregor
Like many, Pat brought music into my life through his teachings…and patience. A lot of patience, I’m certain. I don’t play as often as I should (an ongoing quip from Pat and my grandmother in the day) but when I pick up a violin, I can hear and see them both clearly. And he always seemed to know when I needed the push.
The Burroughs clan had a much larger impact on me, though. During the many years of Forrest City weekends and private lessons, many of us grew up and became friends with Lisa. Pat (and family) invited us into their home for movies, dinners, and all manner of ‘parties’ during our teens (tweens). It became a hub of social activities – so many laughs and good times. All of this is to say that Pat and family left an indelible mark on my life. My thoughts wander to all of you today…and will continue to. Especially when I play a song.
we are very sorry to hear of the passing of Patrick. Our sympathy is extended to all the Burroughs family. May his music continue in Heaven. Gary and Anne-Marie Shewan
Like many people who knew him, Pat Burroughs was an inspiration. In our case – to our whole family. As a result of his work as a music teacher in Islington (Toronto) in the late 60s and early 70s, he gathered a coterie of students to join with him to found the Bach Youth Ensemble. Our family was part of the group. My brothers studied violin with him and I joined as a cellist. Our mother acted as tour manager. We travelled to Vancouver and Victoria – playing for tea at the Empress Hotel among other concerts across the country. Then to Paris, a year later, where we performed at Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as the Conservatoire. For Pat nothing was impossible. We all supported him and his ideas because it was so exciting and such a memorable time in our lives. As well, some of his former students have had important musical careers, extending his influence to professional circles. It is hard to imagine the world without him. Warmest thoughts to those close to him.