Obituary of Brian William Burditt

December 13, 1948 – May 4, 2018

Brian Burditt, beloved husband to Susan Burditt, and father to Matthew, Andrew, and Rebecca, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2018 from Lakeridge Health in Oshawa. While unexpected, we celebrate his Promotion to Glory and rejoice in the knowledge that he is now with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Brian was born in Hamilton, Ontario to parents William and Marguerite Burditt. As a 4th generation Salvationist, he spent his formative years as a young musician at Argyle Citadel, taking lessons from both his grandfather and father, eventually joining the Argyle Citadel Band. Leadership came easy to Brian and he soon became the Young People’s Bandmaster at Argyle. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University and a Masters of Education from Brock University.

Brian was a gifted musician and was honoured to be chosen as one of the inaugural members of the Canadian Staff Band when it reformed in 1969.

A childhood friendship with Susan Wilson quickly turned into a romantic relationship and in 1971, they were married. Over the next eight years their family grew as they welcomed Matthew, Andrew and Rebecca into their lives.

Brian’s love of music and his passion for teaching soon became a reality as he taught music in schools throughout Hamilton for 20 years. During this time, he was the Bandmaster at Argyle Citadel for 17 years while providing private lessons to countless young people from the Corps. After several years of service playing both solo cornet and flugelhorn in the Canadian Staff Band, then Captain Robert Redhead invited him to take on the role of Deputy Bandmaster. In 1985, Brian was appointed as the Bandmaster of the Canadian Staff Band, a role he held with distinction for 19 years (1985 – 2002 and 2006 – 2008).

In 1988, God’s plan for Brian’s life changed and he found himself with the opportunity to move the family to Toronto and take on the position of Territorial Music Secretary for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. He quickly gained a reputation as an excellent band trainer, a detailed planner, and someone who wasn’t afraid to be creative and innovative in his approach to music ministry. He was responsible for dozens of Spring Festivals as well as the annual Fall Festival of Gospel Song. A highlight of this time was the International Brass Spectacular at Roy Thomson Hall which in 1994 celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Canadian Staff Band. Brian made history, bringing together the Canadian, International, New York and Chicago Staff Bands for two memorable concerts.

It was at countless music camps around the world, as well as National Music Camp where Brian’s gifts shone through. He nurtured generations of musicians, was a great encourager and mentor to many. His influence in this regard is beyond measure.

In 2002, God placed another calling on Brian’s heart and from 2002 – 2010 he served as the Director of World Missions, responsible for managing international development projects supported by The Salvation Army and CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency). He regularly travelled to places like Haiti, Malawi, Tanzania, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. Brian developed a strong passion for this work and led the Army’s response to international disasters such as the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. He even found a way to connect music to his travels, maintaining his ability to encourage, mentor and teach.

Brian retired in 2010, but remained an active Salvation Army musician, playing in and providing leadership to the Heritage Brass, and playing in the Conway Citadel Band in South Carolina when he and Susan travelled south. Until his passing, he continued as an active Corps Bandsman in the Oshawa Temple Band, asking to play second cornet so he could welcome and help train new cornet players.

Family was very important to Brian, and he will be lovingly remembered by his wife Susan, his children Matthew (Kristin), Andrew (Shona) and Rebecca (Brady), his ten grandchildren, his mother Marguerite, sisters Barbara (Don), Sharon (Larry) and numerous nieces and nephews.

His legacy is one of Christian leadership, encouragement, integrity, compassion and faithful service. His influence on others will not be forgotten.

A Celebration of Brian’s Life will be held at the SALVATION ARMY OSHAWA TEMPLE, 570 Thornton Road North, Oshawa, on Saturday June 2nd at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:  The Salvation Army for The Brian Burditt Territorial Music School Scholarship or World Missions.  Please indicate your willingness to support and your message to the Burditt family.

Live Streaming of the Celebration of Brian's Life will be available at: https://www.facebook.com/saoshawa/

**Additional overflow parking will be available at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 632 Thornton Rd N, Oshawa (southwest corner of Rossland and Thornton, 2 doors North of Salvation Army Oshawa Temple**