Click here to watch David Bursey’s Celebration of Life Live Stream
David Arthur Bursey passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, April 28, 2023 after bravely living with dementia for the past 8 years. He was one month shy of his 84th birthday.
David was born in 1939, in Sunny Brae, New Brunswick to George and Zeta Bursey. He attended the Atlantic Baptist Bible Training School where he met the love of his life, Diane Elizabeth Keirstead of Hampton, NB. They were married in 1960 and moved to Montreal where David started his career. This is where they began their family. Stephen arrived first, followed by Beth, Greg, and Kim. Andrew arrived on the scene years later while living in Nova Scotia.
As a young man David was keenly interested in the brand new world of computers and computer programming. He developed the first computerized welfare system in Canada. He was very proud of that achievement even into his later years. After leaving the computer field, David turned his talents to business and entrepreneurship. An enthusiastic entrepreneur, David would own several businesses over the years.
His first, and arguably most successful business was Dixie Lee Fried Chicken. Along with his wife Diane, David moved their young family to Liverpool to open the popular take out restaurant. At one point David owned and operated five Dixie Lee restaurants along the South Shore. This success led to more creative ventures over the years. From fish to gum balls, ozone water to his beloved sniffer dog Maggie, he would passionately tell anyone and everyone who would listen to him about his latest endeavor. He never stopped planning and coming up with new business ideas. Even in his final days he was making plans to open up a chicken outlet downstairs in the nursing home.
David was always helping those in need. In the 1980’s, for 3 summers in a row, David and Diane hosted Lobster Suppers at the Liverpool United Baptist Church. Their fundraising donations went to World Vision which helped children in under developed countries overcome poverty. At a local level he donated countless meals and financial gifts to community groups, sports teams, and schools. He helped out individuals and families in need who were down on their luck and needed a boost to get back on their feet. He performed selfless acts without the expectation of anything in return. He truly was a generous man.
But if there was one thing that David was most proud of, it was his family. He supported and encouraged all of their passions and interest whether it be sports, music, dirtbikes, horses, or academics. He was at every game, every recital, every performance, cheering on his children and grandchildren as they competed and performed. He was their biggest supporter. David was so proud of his children, often boasting and bragging about them.
David is survived by his wife of 62 years Diane (Keirstead), his children Stephen (Michelle), Beth (Philip) Harding, Greg (Alice Cannan), Kim (Mark) Chiasson and Andrew (Linda), his beloved grandchildren Renée Bursey, Sam & Seth Harding, Jack & Evan Chiasson and his great granddaughter Kaia Chiasson. He is also survived by his sisters Judie (John) Grantham & Bonnie Lyon and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents George and Zeta (West) Bursey, and his sister Dawne (Ian) Hutchison.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Chandler’s Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS, on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 7:00 until 9:00 pm, with words of remembrance at 7:30 pm. The family will be there to welcome friends, family and colleagues. Donations can be made to the Queens County Food Bank or Queens General Hospital Foundation. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Charlotte, Bobby and Peggy Kelley
Diane and family. Please accept our sincere condolences. May your wonderful memories help you through the difficult days ahead.
Lynn Curphey
Kim and family, such a sad time to be going through, however, your beautiful family will be a strong support for one another.
Mary Anne Waite
Thinking of you Kim and all your family at this sad time. Reading your dad’s obituary it sounds like you were blessed.to have him.
Dawne Rawding
Diane, Kim, Steve, Beth, Greg & Andrew:
Reading David’s Obituary reminded of times when he would give tours of Dixie Lee to the Liverpool Girl Guides. This was always my favorite event because it always included free delicious chicken, fries & the yummy coleslaw. Your Dad was a wonderful man, extremely generous & competive ( which meant he & I got along great).
He will be missed but his spirit lives on in his number one success … his Family. Thinking of you all during this time … Dawne
Pamela Black- Luksic
I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing.
Please know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
David’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Sending you my deepest sympathies.
Linda Leslie
My Sincere Condolences Diane & All The Family !
Peter Keirstead
To The Bursey Family,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle Dave. He was a very kind and wonderful man who I will always hold fond memories of.
I feel lucky to have had him in my life and will always cherish our time together.
We will unfortunately be unable to attend his service but will be thinking of Antie Di and the family.
Love from,
Peter, Ashley and Warren.
Barbara Currie
Kim, Mark & family:
So sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences.
May pleasant memories help to console you during
This difficult time.
Brigdit Leger
Kim and family, I had the pleasure of meeting David a number of times over the years. I especially remember how kind and welcoming David and Diane were to all of us girls when we popped in to Dixie Lee during our girls weekend in 2016. I’m truly sorry for your loss. I have you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Shirley and Paul Shot
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.
Nina Sodhi
We are very sorry to hear about your fathers passing. What a wonderful tribute to a man who sounds so well accomplished, charitable and loved so dearly by his family and friends. May the many warm memories of his life well lived comfort you during this time. Hugs from the Sodhis
Patti Hatcher
So sorry about your Dads passing, Reading his obituary , he was obviously a kind, wonderful, caring Man! Take care of each other, ❤️❤️❤️
Jeffrey Miller
A Deserving Obituary of a remarkable Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend to many. Reading his History of what he accomplished beyond what I knew of Dave? It is awesome! Having taught a few of his children I always respected a Man that came with his wife for parent visitation. That’s a true sign of who he was.(Not that his children were in trouble!!) Condolences to you Diane and your Family!
Francis & Peggy Payzant
Dear Diane, & Families!!!!
Francis & I Are So Sorry To Hear That Mr. Bursey Has Passed Away. Dave Will Always Be Remembered For His Friendliness And Generosity In Our Small Community. When We Heard Of Dixie Lee Coming Here In Liverpool Years Ago We Were Excited. We Couldn’t Wait To Get Our Snack Packs On The Weekend. It Was The Best Chicken Ever And The Fish & Chips Were Exceptional. Now You Have A Son That Is Taking Over The Rein And Doing A Great Job. Remember all The Wonderful Times You All Had With Dave And Keep Those Memories Close To Your Heart. May God Bless You All At This Most Difficult Time And May Dave Now Rest In Peace.
Sincerely:::
Francis & Peggy Payzant
Moyle and Marjorie Crouse
Diane and family, sorry to hear about Dave’s passing we always enjoyed our times having coffee with you we had some great times, Our prayers are with you
Gordon and Jackie Eisnor
Our sincere condolences to all David’s family.
George Wortman
Diane and family – we are deeply saddened by David’s passing.
It was 55 years ago that he served as an usher in our wedding in Toronto, May 4 1968.
While we lived a long way apart , he was often on our mind and we kept in touch through my sister Karon.
May God give you comfort at this very difficult time.
Janet and George Wortman
Tim McDonald
Sending sincere condolences to the Bursey family.
Barb and Lorne Redmond
Lorne and I send out our sincerest condolences to a most beloved family in Liverpool. We are thinking of you all at this time and sending our love.
The Redmonds.
Tish
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing! I worked for him at Dixie Lee , as I think of Dave , I think of funny things that would happen out back in the Kitchen , one funny story still makes me laugh ! R.I.P.Dave. You were a good Boss . Sincerely, Tish Fisher
Nikki Doucet & Paul Gibbs
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending our love and strength.
Tracey Purcell
To the Bursey clan… I was saddened to hear about the passing of David. I’ll always remember how he lit up and was so excited when Kim and her friends would stop into Dixie Lee’s. David would show us the “detailed” step by step process of how chicken was made and how all the machinery worked.
I am hoping all the wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend his celebration of life, but please know you’re all in my thoughts.
Thinking of you all….Tracey Purcell
Thelma Macleod
Dear Diane & Family
It’s with great sadness that I heard of David’s passing. David was a kind person. David always enjoyed his family. It’s never easy to see a loved one pass away. My god give you the strength to deal with this grief. Remember all the good memories you made over the years and time will heal your pain. My condolences to all the family.
Thelma Macleod
Bucky & Donna Norman
Condolences to the family. May your many memories keep him in your hearts forever and help you through this difficult time.
Marie Lamrock
My sincere condolences to the Bursey family.
Faye Levy
Dear Diane and Families,
I have such wonderful memories of working for Dave and Diane at Bursey’s One Stop Shop. They were so kind and generous to me while I worked for them…There was never a moment, that Dave was not talking about a new venture…I got to know all your children and even some of your grandchildren….Hold on tight to all your precious memories as they will help guide you through this sad time….Keeping you in my Thoughts and Prayers.
David Whynot
Condolence to all the family Rest Easy Dave
Ann
Diane and family
Sending heartfelt condolences at this sad time.
Thinking of you all
Ann and Jack
David & Judy Whynott of mersey point
We are sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Our thoughts go out to all his family at this sad time.
Diane Munro
Diane
Our sincere sympathy to you and the family.
Sincerely Diane and Ian Munro ,Liverpool.
Steve Andrews
Bursey Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
RIP
Cathy de Rome
Diane, Beth and Andrew,
Sincere condolences to all the family at this difficult time. Dave certainly led an interesting life with his many business ventures as well as his involvement and generosity to numerous causes.
Ian, Ali, Oscar & Billie
Sending love to Diane, Andrew and the entire Bursey clan. David was a good man. I’m very fortunate to have shared a few of your families wonderful memories over the years – keep them close to your heart and know he lived it well.
Dennis & Sherri Harrington
Sending heartfelt condolences to all the family, so sorry for your loss, take care.
Jan Winchester
Many memories, good times, lovely family…a life well lived….Jan xxoo
Sheila Lane
Love and condolences to Diane and all the Bursey family. You are such a close & loving family; may you find comfort in the company of one another and the sharing of many wonderful memories. Love to you all.
Sheila & Geoff; Luke & Neil
Linda Lucier
Please accept my sincere condolences. I so admire your family for keeping your dad at home for the years he has been suffering this horrible disease. Not many can manage that. It goes without saying that you are a special family. Take care of each other and know you’ve done the very best.
Allan Lynch
Beth – He had quite a life. I am sorry for your, your family’s and the community’s loss.
Wilma and Tom Shupe
Beth and family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolence to you all.
Krista Borg
Diane and Family…sending my heartfelt condolences to all of you on the loss of your Husband,Father, Grandfather and to the littlest Great.
I remember being at your home on a few occasions and was always welcomed.Many thanks for Dixie Lee as that has been a treat for me whenever i come home to visit as there have been many memories scrounging up enough cash to enjoy the treats!
Sending hugs to you all and I see there are many good memories to keep close to your hearts in remembrance of Dave
Krista Harvey and all of us Harvey Families
Paul & Carol Conrad
We have been aquanted with David & Diane for three short years. Their generousity became part of our daily life, inviting serveral couples to Dixie Lee for a generous meal. Although Covid was in full swing at the time, they followed guide-lines so that we could enjoy their offerings. David has been missed since he took up residence in the nursing home. We have fond memories of his free offerings of eye rectifcation so we could get rid of our glasses. You have missed you. RIP David
john MacKinnon
Dear Diane and Family,
Thank you for the wonderful reminder of everything Dave Bursey was for the communities blessed to have your family and businesses. In grade 12 we discussed ” Entrepreneur”, qualities such as courage, intelligence work ethic and innovation were discussed and I remember thinking, ” Kim’s Dad is an entrepreneur!”.
The last time I saw Dave was soon after Andrew reopened Dixie Lee, he was behind the counter in the kitchen, just the way I used to see him at the Parking lot location and I wasn’t the least bit surprised. My daughter’s first stop is Dixie Lee when she visits Liverpool, not a bad legacy for an Entrepreneur like Dave.
Please know we are certainly thinking of your family at this time of loss.
Sheldon Chute
You have my deepest sympathy
I had business dealing with Dave while i was manager of Superior Propane in Hebbville.
He was always a joy to listen to and was so friendly to do business with..My memories are all so very good.
Deb Gass
To Beth and family , I’m thinking of you all at this time .I read about your dad while here in Pangnirtung NU and won’t make it home in time to attend his gathering of remembrance .. but I do remember his engaging personality and enthusiasm for life ( and that planked salmon he prepared at your wedding!!!!) sending love to you all .. Deb Gass
Kathy Jo Rumbolt
Thinking of you all as you say goodbye. My sincere condolences.
Gordon Hamlin
Condolences on your loss Diane and family..
Dave was my boss at Halifax City Hall many years ago. He was a friend as well as a boss.
Gone but never forgotten.
Gordon Hamlin
Halifax
Dianne and Al Callaghan
We were so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing.we have fond memories of our days as neighbors, especially the card games.sincerely,Al and Dianne
Mervin Bernadette Hartlen
Beth and family so sadden to hear about your Dad. He was such a nice man. May all your memories and love help you all at this sad time Our love and prayers are with you all.
Bebe Daupinee
To Beth, Phillip and Family,
So sorry for your loss.
Gail and John
To the Bursey family John and I send our sincere condolences. We will always have fond memories of taking you sailing and have many fond memories of the picnics and BBQ’s we shared with your family. Love to you all.
Hugh Mosher
Dear Diane and family,
I am sorry to learn of David’s passing. He along with you were a dynamic team that have made such wonderful contributions to the community. May your memories help you all going forward.
Cordelia and Randy Jaggernathsingh
So sorry to hear of the news. I remember Mr. Bursey well, as he always gave free Dixie Lee Chicken dinners to our Father-Son Scout Banquets, and minor hockey banquets. My mom heard the news today, and is heart-broken. We offer our condolences to the Burseys….he was a pillar in the Liverpool community….and he will be dearly missed.
Duncan & Goretti MacIsaac
We are sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was always a guy who could see the bright side of things and never turned down a challenge. Whether it was for family, community, volunteering or one of his many successful businesses, you can be assured that Dave would be committed one hundred percent. He will be deeply missed by all.
Michael & Hazel Sherren
Please accept condolences to the entire Bursey family. We hope the memories of happier times will sustain you while you mourn your loss.
Karon Scott
We are saddened to hear of the passing of a very special cousin. Our condolences to Diane and family. A big man with a big heart and generous spirit as well. We always enjoyed David’s smiles, the twinkle in his eye and all his teasing. He will surely be missed.
Love Karon & Alton Scott
Wendell and Susan (Pyke) Whynot
Sincere condolences to the family. Find strength in each other and your many memories.
Carolyn Tipert
My thoughts and prayers are with you Diane and your family
Claire Reinhardt
Kim and family, you are in my thoughts, Claire Reinhardt
Lisa Killam
Kim and Family,
Not long ago, while sitting at Dixie Lee, with you, your Mom, Mark and Andrew, it struck me that, although wearied, your Mom had remained steadfast and it was evident Mrs. Bursey remained the matriarch of the Bursey clan. I listened to you all talk about how your whole family had come together in their own way to make sure your Dad’s end-of-life journey was filled with love. Love is all that is remembered in the end and love remains in your family.
May you see your Dad’s fearless passion for living life in all that you do, and recognize his love for family in your own heart. May you always feel him with you.
As you know Kim, unfortunately, I will not be able to attend his celebration of life, but please know you’re all in my thoughts.
Love to you all, Lisa
Doug and Pat Lohnes
Dianne and family: Enjoy being with Dave during our time n the Lions club , always a gentleman and a pleasure to be with . Our sincere condolences at this most difficult time.
Cathy Miller
Beth and family, I was sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My sincere condolences.
Cathie and Kevin Wentzell
Beth & families
Sincere condolences. Although he may be gone from this earth, he will forever be in your hearts.
Mary Cooke
Diane and Family, I just received word that David has passed away on Friday. I know this is a sad and difficult time for each of you. Sending you my sincere condolences and sympathy and trust you will have many wonderful memories of David to cherish. With love, Mary Cooke
Judie and John Grantham
Diane and family:
We send our heartfelt condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
David will be sorely missed by many. Your family has many loving memories to hold in their hearts – we are thinking of you.
May our God rest David’s soul in peace.
Philip and Holly Smith
Dear Bursey family,
It was with sadness that I read David’s obituary notice, and my mind was immediately flooded with memories of my work with he and Diane over 40 years ago. I have reflected so often through the years at their kindness to me.
David’s intelligence, aptitude for business, fearlessness in attempting new ventures, and that dogged determination, always with that smile, the twinkling eyes, and that wonderful laugh, is what I will remember .His kindness and charity to everyone around him leaves a lasting legacy .
Through seeing your Aunt Mary occasionally, I was aware of David’s illness and the commitment of dear Diane, and all of you, in ensuring he was cared for with an abundance of compassion and love.
Philip and I extend our heartfelt condolences to you all as you say goodbye. May you be surrounded with joy and love, and find comfort and peace, as you travel through this journey of grief. Thinking of you all, Holly Smith
Jean Robinson-Dexter
Sending sincere condolences to you on behalf of all of us at the Astor Theatre, May Dave’s memory be a blessing.
Robert & Sally Fader
Bursey family:
Sending sincere condolences at this very sad and difficult time.
Cathy Wentzell
Beth and Family
I am so sorry for your loss.
You are all in the thoughts and prayers of many.
Cathy Wentzell
Gale Deveau
Diane, Andrew and Dave’s Family
Please accept our sincere condolences to all of you at this sad time. Cherish your memories.
Gale and Art Deveau
Louise and Pat Elhatton
Dear Steve, Michelle, Renée and family
Sending our sincere condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Randy Godfrey
Diane and the Bursey family,
My condolences for your loss. David will be missed.
Sheila Wilneff
Dear Diane – We’re thinking of you and your family as you gather for David’s Celebration of Life service. May your many happy memories of David be with you always.
Sheila and Doug Wilneff
Terry & Stephanie Hurrell
Dear Diane and all the Bursey family. Thank you for coming to the Liverpool area and sharing your dad and indeed all the remarkable talents of the whole family. Dave was quite the entrepreneur; so kind and generous. Having taught nearly all of you in the Liverpool Town Schools, I have wonderful memories of the contribution you all made to the community. Then I met Andrew in 1996 during the Winds of Change production of Camelot. What a family! Thank you. Treasure all those wonderful memories of your Dad. Dixie Lee and Lobster Suppers at the Baptist Church! God bless you, Diane. Love, Terry & Stephanie Hurrell.
Stephen DeLong
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. Had great converations with him about opportunities knocking and making them real.
From fried chicken to a dog that sniffed out bed bugs to gum balls, that’s a mind that was never at rest.
Evelyn R Fisher
Diane, Andrew and all the family, Sorry for your loss. Sending my sincere condolence .