BURBY

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian J. Burby of Innisfail, Alberta, formerly of Bluffton, Alberta.  Brian passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the age of 82 years. 

Born on April 24, 1943, in Calgary, Alberta, Brian was a devoted family man and an educated gentleman who possessed a multitude of passions, interests, and talents in his lifetime.  He was an all-round farmer and a true cowboy who held a special love for the land and for animals of all kinds.  Brian took pleasure in sharing his knowledge with anyone, especially when it came to conversations about International Harvester tractors or his love for the farm.  He enjoyed spending his time restoring antique tractors and was even involved in the local tractor club.  Brian was also a former World Professional Chuckwagon Association judge and outrider, as well as an avid bird watcher, huntsman, and fisherman. 

Developed from his travels abroad, Brian possessed the travelling spirit and took pleasure in exploring the world around him.  His favourite, small vacation get-away was to escape to Radium Hot Springs, or to go camping at tractor shows and chuckwagon events.  Brian was a huge sports fan, especially baseball and football, and he even coached a baseball team at one time.  His enthusiastic support for the Green Bay Packers was a big part of his life, but he also supported local teams such as the Innisfail Eagles.  He would faithfully watch any televised sport or show up to games whenever he could.  Brian was also a great storyteller, possessing the unique ability to make you laugh before your visit was over.  He was a person who you could always depend on to give you an honest answer.  Brian was a kind, caring, and genuine person… and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Brian will be lovingly remembered by his wife Fran; three sons Mike Georgeff of Red Deer County; Kevin Georgeff of Millet, Alberta; and Scott (Darla) Georgeff, also of Red Deer County; his daughter Donita (Vince) Fowler of Calgary; as well as eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; in addition to many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and close friends.  Brian was predeceased by his parents Mary and Leo Burby; his wife Barb in 2019; two brothers John and Bill; and three sisters Margaret Swanson, Joan Merryfield, and Irene Bricker.

With respect for Brian’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held.  If desired, memorial donations in his memory may be made directly to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta  T4R 3S6 (www.reddeerhospice.com). Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.

Cremation Arrangements for the Late Brian J. Burby entrusted to the care of