Harry Burkitt Passes

Published: August 14, 2017 01:53 pm EDT

On Saturday, August 12, former Quinte Raceway Race Secretary Harry Burkitt, of Belleville, Ont., passed away peacefully at the Q.H.C. Belleville General Hospital surrounded by his family at the age of 91.

In addition to his work at the track, Burkitt – who was an owner, trainer and driver – was a longtime employee at Bishop Farm Seeds and was a co-owner of HF & MLB Stables. He was also a life member of the Quinte Lodge.

Burkitt was a popular, familiar face at Quinte Exhibition & Raceway for years. He was also at the track prior to the ‘Exhibition and Raceway’ days, as Burkitt was there when racing at the oval was known as the ‘Quinte Riding & Driving Club’ under ‘Georgian Turf Club Ltd.’ when lines were typed out then cut and pasted to produce the racing program.

Son of the late Thomas Francis and Laura (Pollard) Burkitt. Beloved husband of 68 years of Margaret Lucy (Green) Burkitt. Loving father of Greg, Alan (Wendy Watkin), Jean (Peter Erglis), Nancy, Betty Jane, Helen (Thi Nguyen), Barbara, Mary Ellen (David Scott), Jennifer Lynn (Steven Buchanan), and Paul (Christina Lloyd). Predeceased by son Stephen Ellis Burkitt, granddaughter Theresa Gendron, brother Hugh Burkitt, sister-in law Joyce (Maxwell) Burkitt and brothers-in-law Eric McComb and Ernest Thompson. Survived by sisters Doreen McComb, Betty Thompson and brother John (Anne Morton) Burkitt. Lovingly remembered by 11 grandchildren, five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has already taken place. Visitation will be held at the Steele Funeral Home, Moira Street Chapel, 30 Moira Street W., Belleville (613-968-2273) on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Memorial service will be held at Christ Church Anglican, 39 Everett Street Belleville on Wednesday, August 16 at 1:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to service. Following the service a reception will be held in the church hall. Private family interment in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Frankford, Ontario at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations if desired to Christ Church Building Fund or Children's Wish Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Harry Burkitt.

Tags
Have something to say about this? Log in or create an account to post a comment.