Eric passed quietly with grace and dignity at the GB Cross Hospital, Clarenville, NL on July 10, 2025.
Eric was born in Safe Harbour, NL and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, and naturalist. His life was one of service, curiosity, and deep love for his family and the natural world. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, William and Margaret Burry; his sister, Daphne; and his brothers, Paul and his twin, Bill. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 58 years, Glenda; his children, Susanne, Darren (Marsha), and Daniel; and his cherished grandsons, Maxwell David and Jacob Owen, sons of Daniel. He is also lovingly remembered by his brothers, Bruce (Sharon) and Rob (Valerie); his sisters, Audrey (Tony) and Joan; his brothers-in-law, Boyd (Valery), David (Linda), Ted (Sharon), and Bradley (Angela); and his sisters-in-law, Margaret (Paul), Margaret (Bill) and Hazel (Larry). Eric’s memory will live on in the hearts of a large circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. His niece, Victoria, held a very special place in his heart, and he remained true to the promise he made to his brother Paul—to always be there for her.
A Life of Learning and Leadership
Eric began teaching in Lumsden, NL at just 16 years old. He worked his way through university, earning a BA (Ed) and later a Master’s in Curriculum Development. He and Glenda, both passionate educators, married in 1967 and taught high school together. He served as principal of an elementary school and vice principal of Gander Academy. His career was deeply intertwined with the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA), where he later became a Curriculum Development Officer in 1986. He traveled extensively across the province, including the Great Land —often leaving behind a silk tie or two along the way!
After retiring from the NLTA in 1996, Eric brought Canadian curriculum to schools in Thailand and China. Upon returning, he was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of Education with the Liberal government.
A Gentle Soul and Steward of Nature
Eric and his brother Bill were avid salmon fishermen, spending 50 summers on the Gander River. True to his conservationist heart, Eric always released his catch to preserve the species.
He was a naturalist who knew every bird song, flight path, and nesting pattern. He passed this love of nature to his children and grandchildren—especially the “O Canada bird,” robins, blue jays, and chickadees.
In retirement, Eric and Glenda built a beautiful home in Bloomfield, where many cups of coffee and glasses of scotch were shared on “Eric’s Lookout.”
With Gratitude
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff of the chemo unit. Deepest appreciation to Dr. Stockwell, Dr. Pardy, Dr. Paul, Dr. Mitchelmore, and Dr. Reese for their care and compassion.
Special thanks to Craig and Lori for their unwavering support—and for the hammer, nails, and wood for the fire pit.
A family and friends celebration of Eric’s life will be held at a later date in the family’s garden in Bloomfield.
Flowers are gratefully accepted at this time to Eric’s home in Bloomfield.
Poem Close to His Heart
(By Christina Rossetti)
Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor You
But when the leaves hang trembling
The wind is passing through.
Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I
But when the trees bow down their heads
The wind is passing by.
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Dale Locke says
July 10, 2025 at 6:20 pmSusanne and family, sorry for your loss
Wayne and Mary-Lynn says
July 11, 2025 at 10:07 amGlenda and family. Eric was my cherished friend. We shared so many great times together, great stories and so many many laughs. He will alwsys remain in our memories.
Jim(Walwyn) Parsons says
July 11, 2025 at 3:06 pmSo sorry to hear,thinking of all the fun we had growing up.We grew up and went to school together.Thank you Lord for watching over Eric and family while he made his mark in life.RIP my friend,god be with you till we meet again.
Paul Roberts says
July 14, 2025 at 12:51 amHeartfelt Condolences Susanne and family!
God Bless.
Lorne LeDrew says
July 13, 2025 at 12:11 pmDan please accept our sincerest condolences at this time. Take care! Lorne and Cathy
Gaye Toews says
July 10, 2025 at 6:35 pmWalt and I extend our sincere condolences. May your wonderful memories be a constant comfort.
Faye Gillingham-Tulk says
July 10, 2025 at 7:17 pmGlenda & family, so sorry for your loss, cherish your memories. Eric wasn’t my teacher but I remember him well. My dad was janitor at the school back then when Eric & Bill were teaching there, dad would say to them “ who am I talkin’ to, you or ya brudder”
Fran Abbott says
July 10, 2025 at 7:20 pmGlenda and Family, Thinking of you during this difficult time. Eric touched so many lives and I am grateful for the time I knew him.
Clyde & Ruth Harris says
July 10, 2025 at 7:38 pmCondolences to the family.
Patsy and Dorman Humby says
July 10, 2025 at 7:47 pmTo all Eric’s family and friends, please accept our deepest condolences. So sorry to hear about Eric’s passing.
Linda West Clarke says
July 10, 2025 at 7:47 pmSo Sad to hear of Mr Burry’s passing He was a great teacher and friend to his students.
Prayers and condolences for his family.
Colleen and Bill Janes says
July 10, 2025 at 8:02 pmGlenda and family, our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Eric’s obituary is a beautiful tribute to honour a life that was full and well lived. Thinking of you all.
Kurt Misik says
July 10, 2025 at 8:02 pmI am very saddened to learn of the passing of Eric, father to a good friend of mine, Dan Burry. I have had the absolute pleasure and luck to have spent some time with Eric and Dan in the country, and their home in Bloomfield. He patiently attempted to teach a townie how to fish! Always a gentlemen, always kind and funny. You were guaranteed to have a genuine good time, and Glenda was always there to put up with us and provide such beautiful food besides. From my family to yours, our deepest condolences and are thinking of you at this time.
Yvonne Lush says
July 10, 2025 at 8:53 pmDearest Glenda and Family , ,
A beautiful commentary about a beautiful man ! Eric’s life has truly been one of service and we are so happy to have been a part of it for so long . We loved Eric dearly and he will be forever in our thoughts.
Cherish all your wonderful memories …. All our love to you and the family ,
Fraser and Yvonne
Art Baggs says
July 10, 2025 at 9:35 pmGlenda, our deepest condolences to you and the family on Eric’s passing. He was a great professional in his work, but I got to know him as the naturalist on our many week long fishing trips to Crippleback. I will always cherish the memories of those trips we enjoyed. It was never about the fish, but the stories on every trip. May you rest in peace, my friend.
Wayne & Kim Sturge says
July 10, 2025 at 10:18 pmGlenda & family,
I am saddened to hear of Eric’s passing. I hope you find comfort in all the beautiful memories you have shared. My thoughts are with you.
Joey Cooze says
July 10, 2025 at 10:22 pmOn behalf of Jeannie and I, we would like to extend heartfelt condolences to Glenda, Susanne, Dan and Darren. Eric will be forever loved and profoundly missed by all those fortunate enough to have known him. I feel both honoured and privileged to have shared adventures, a scattered wee drop of scotch together but most of all, friendship. We laughed lots, we cried some and talked about everything and nothing together, lol. I will miss you and our many, varied conversations. Rest easy dear friend, you have earned your eternal rest.
For years, the riverbank was where Your soul felt most at peace
Your heart was most content when there
With the fish and the geese
But then, your spirit came to rest Where angels chose to roam
And once equipped with ten pound test
You made yourself at home.
The sky became your deep blue sea
The clouds became your shore And there, for all eternity You sat with friends galore Each angel was a fisherman Who had traded his pole
For golden wings and a game plan
At Heaven’s Fishing Hole.
The tales you told about each catch
Its stature and its girth
Will live in memories unmatched
As days pass here on earth
Until we meet again, one day Upon God’s golden sand
We’ll picture you, no other way Than with a pole in hand.
Leslie Ann says
July 10, 2025 at 11:22 pmGlenda and family,
So very sorry for your loss
Leslie Ann Rowsell
Azariah and Sharon Oram says
July 11, 2025 at 9:35 amGlenda and Family, Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Noreen Press says
July 11, 2025 at 10:10 amGlenda and family,
We were sorry to hear about Eric’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Noreen and Harold Press
Toby and Ivy Saint says
July 11, 2025 at 11:12 amGlenda and the Burry family, sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. Ivy and myself send sincere condolences. I have had the pleasure of bring a friend of Eric’s for over 60 years. I have very fond memories of many salmon fishing trips with him and Bill particularly on the Gander River.. He will be missed by his many friends and in particular his family. RIP my friend and happy fishing in your new life.
Peter Sutherland says
July 11, 2025 at 1:56 pmMy condolences to all members of Eric’s family.
I first met Eric in 1984 while attending a NLTA meeting. When I began serving on the provincial executive I had the pleasure of working with Eric for 10 years. I was always impressed with his dedication to both curriculum and professional development. Truly dedicated to education and NLTA at all times. Eric always answered the call to defend teachers and his association.
It was a pleasure Eric. Thank you for everything.
Glenn Loveless says
July 11, 2025 at 3:53 pmMy deepest condolences to Eric’s family. I had the privilege of working closely with Eric while he served as Assistant Deputy Minister of Education. He was a true professional with an infectious smile. I’ve always considered it an honor to have worked and developed a friendship with Eric. He was truly an outstanding educator and person.
Lionel Rowe says
July 11, 2025 at 11:15 pmGlenda and family
So sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. Many fond memories of our times together many years ago.
Treasure the memories.
Lionel Rowe
Jim bulger says
July 11, 2025 at 5:37 pmGlenda I am so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. For many years myself ,Sylvia Sharon and Bruce visited Eric in Bloomfield. Eric was a fantastic human being and a great conversationist. I really enjoyed my visits there .condolences to the entire family God bless
Harvey Keats says
July 11, 2025 at 5:38 pmVida and I are deeply saddened to hear of Eric’s passing. I have fond memories of growing up with him in Bloomfield and attending university together. We each chose different paths in life but it was always a pleasure to meet up with him when I returned home over the years. To Glenda and all the family, please accept our deepest sympathy.
Eric Parsons says
July 11, 2025 at 10:55 pmTo Glenda and the Burry family, sorry to hear of Eric passing, Janie and I (Eric) send sincere
condolence.Our memories are fresh of younger years.My dad was the Burry’s boys barber..
RIP.
Myrtis and Wilson Guy says
July 12, 2025 at 9:01 amGlenda, Susanne, Darren and Daniel and all the Burry family, you are in our hearts and thoughts at this sad time.
We had the privilege of calling Eric our good friend and colleague for many years and will miss him dearly. We will miss his stories, his wisdom, his humour, and his support and encouragement. Over the years we have enjoyed many meals, chats and laughter at your table and in your beautiful gardens (and some of his best scotch, too!).
As a husband, father, grandfather and brother he cherished his family and was so proud of you all. As an educator and leader, Eric was devoted to bettering the educational experiences of students and working conditions of educators. As a friend, he encouraged and supported each and every one of us. As a wordsmith, Eric was an exceptional speaker and writer and an avid reader. (We were always amazed at how he could so easily and quickly quote all the great poets from Shakespeare to Van Morrison!) As an environmentalist and naturalist he was ahead of his time, evidenced by his reverence for nature and its beauty.
He has left you and all of us a great legacy to celebrate and continue.
Our heartfelt condolences and love to all of you as you celebrate his life and mourn his passing.
Myrtis and Wilson
Eric, dear friend, after a life well-lived and battles well-fought it is time to
“Smell the sea and and feel the sky
Let your soul and spirit fly
Into the mystic…”. (Van Morrison, 1970)
Ray Goulding says
July 12, 2025 at 10:39 amTo Glenda and all the family.
So sad to hear of Eric’s passing. So sorry for your great loss.
There are men, women, and children who exude an air of distinction. As we come to know them better we discover the source of and reasons for their distinction. Eric was a man of such distinction. His well-wrought obituary makes clear how this was so.
All those who lived within Eric’s sphere of influence were winners. And by his death we are all losers. So the bell tolls just not for Eric but for all who knew him.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Ray and Lynn Goulding
Joyce and Calvin Crane says
July 12, 2025 at 1:30 pmGlenda and family, we are so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing.. Please accept our condolences and know that we will be thinking about you all as you go through this very sad time.
Alice Collins says
July 12, 2025 at 2:19 pmIt was a privilege to work with Eric Burry. He was dedicated to supporting teachers and students, and improving education in this province and beyond. He was a great colleague and friend. My condolences to Eric’s family
Fred Douglas says
July 12, 2025 at 5:35 pmMarie and I were saddened to hear of Eric’s passing and extend our condolences to his family. I met Eric through my involvement with NLTA and was very much impressed by his work and his support as we worked together to host the first CAPTO gathering to be held outside the capital city. His professionalism and friendship was deeply appreciated. Rest in Peace Eric!
Rex Gibbons says
July 14, 2025 at 11:58 amTo Glenda and family, My sincere sympathy. Eric and I were lifelong friends, from the time he taught in Lumsden through our time at MUN and onwards to now. He wanted to make one final trip to Safe Harbour and I promised to arrange it but it was not to be. The next time I make a visit there, we will say a few words in his memory.
Kevin and Diane Martin says
July 14, 2025 at 10:52 pmFor Glenda and family,
Diane and myself visited Eric and Glenda numerous times with Bruce and Sharon, these visits were also met with welcoming arms and such pleasant company. We are so sad to hear of Eric’s passing, and miss the fun times together, he was such a gentleman, always so pleasant. May God bless.
Cynthia gorman says
July 15, 2025 at 2:01 pmGary and Cynthia Gorman
Glenda and Family we are deeply sorry for loss of Eric.we will always remember him as such a wonderful,kind caring person .We will remember you all in our prayers during this very difficult time.Very best wishes.
Jim Fox says
July 15, 2025 at 3:21 pmSo sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. Eric and I worked together at the NLTA for 10 years. You couldn’t work with a better person. One of these days, we’ll play another game of racquetball up yonder. Rest easy old friend.
Sincere condolences to Glenda and the family.
David Millan says
July 15, 2025 at 3:54 pmI am so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing Glenda.
Geralyn Costello says
July 15, 2025 at 4:39 pmGlenda and family, my deepest condolences on the passing of Eric. I have many warm memories of time spent with him when we worked at the NLTA. His obituary was a fitting tribute to a life well lived. Rest in peace, Eric. Sincerely, Geralyn
Pearce and Sylvia Vincent says
July 17, 2025 at 11:12 pmGlenda and family. So sorry to learn of Eric’s passing after such a gallant fight for life. So glad that we had some contact over the past few years and reminisce about the many good times we shared during our early years. Peace be with you friend.
Gerald Galway says
July 23, 2025 at 5:47 pmGlenda and family, I was very sorry to learn of Eric‘s passing. I was just thinking about him a few days ago when driving across the island . Eric and I worked closely together in the Department of Education all those years ago. I valued his mentorship and his wisdom. We had some great times together; I’ll always value those years.
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