It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vernon Burnaby Feedham, aka Burnie, aka Bunji on the May 28th, 2023, at the age of 74, at his home in Maple Ridge, BC. He is survived by his brother Stephen Feedham and his sister-in-law Yvonne, whom are both from Vernon, his son Michael Okeson and his daughter in law Debbie, grandchildren Jonathan and Dustin, great grandchildren Gunnar, Colby and Vladimir and cousins. Burnie was predeceased by his wife Leslie in 2019, his father C B Feedham in 1980 and his mother Audrey Feedham in 2009. Burnie was born in Vernon BC and raised in Kelowna where he spent most of his life growing up and going to school, with a couple of years at St Georges in Vancouver.
Burnie enjoyed sports, mostly he played hockey although he did play rugby and football in his earlier years. He had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles of which he owned several. He worked many years for the BC Department of Highways and in more recent years prior to his retirement, the BC Commissionaires.
He was known for his big heart, love of children and animals, always ready to play the big kid himself. Over the years his travels took him to Europe where he played a little hockey and his travel trips with Leslie to Mexico for their annual holiday. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him, especially all the Scooter Dogs and their families and friends, what a fabulous group. We all miss you “B”. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Maple Ridge SPCA.
June 12th, 2023
He called me his “stomach breaker”! When I was a little girl, about 4 or 5, Cousin Burnie would stay over at our house in Vancouver sometimes. In those days (the late 60’s, early 70’s) – the ‘guest room’ was the sofa in the living room. Burnie would stay over on a Friday night, and I would ask him to watch cartoons with me on Saturday morning, well demand more like it. To get his attention (i.e.: wake him up) I would climb up on the sofa (and him) and bounce up and down on his stomach! Lord knows why he kept coming back.
For me – Burnie was so much larger than life, always fun, always smiling and making you laugh. If Burnie or his brother Steve came to town it didn’t matter what my plans were – I would always be home to hang out with them. Burnie may have looked like a big tough biker, but he was all heart. He would always have your back.
My fondest memory is when my son, Patrick, was 3 years old. We went to visit Burnie and Leslie in Kelowna. Their cat had just had kittens and my little boy (who is now 34) watched as this big, huge guy came walking out of the room with kittens crawling all over him. Patrick was in awe.
Patrick and I will miss you Burnie. You are one of the few that broke the mold after you were made. Thank you for being in our lives, you are gone too soon. I hope you rest easy – you deserve it.
Love, your little “stomach breaker”
June 7th, 2023
Burnie, his brother Steve, and I grew up in Kelowna. Being a good friend of Steve, I would also get to know his big brother. Burnie had a big soft spot in his heart for Steve. I always thought of Burnie being one of the cool big kids. He had a Ford with a big block and four speed. I was so envious. Burnie and I, years later, would also work together. He was always so kind and patient with me. Rest easy big guy.
June 7th, 2023
I was deeply saddened to hear of Bernie's passing. I have such fond memories of Bernie when I lived with the Feedham family back in the early 1970's. Bernie was always happy, made you smile and laugh, and was very kind. Bernie will be dearly missed.
Janet Talhami
June 6th, 2023
Very sad to hear of my cousin Burnie's passing. I had not seen him for some years but he and his brother Steven were always in our thoughts. When we were young and had the opportunity to visit Kelowna we really loved seeing the Feedhams. Please accept our deepest condolence's on Burnie's passing and our thoughts are with all of you.
Phillip Lilian and the kids
Write a Tribute
Please Note: Your tribute will NOT be posted until reviewed and approved by one of our staff.