David Sinclair McBurney

David Sinclair McBurney, aged 79 years, passed away in Portage la Prairie on August 27, 2025.

David was born in Souris, Manitoba on July 26, 1946. From a young age, he had a curious mind and a mischievous spirit, embarking on all sorts of shenanigans with his older sister Carole and doting on his younger sister Diane. He lived and worked in Souris until meeting Carol, the love of his life. They were engaged and married within six months, beginning a partnership that lasted more than five decades. They married in 1967, building a life together that balanced family, work, and adventure. Together they lived in several communities across the province before settling in Portage la Prairie in 1979, where they raised their family.

David had a lifelong love of learning. He earned a degree from Brandon University and a diploma from Red River College, and in 1979 he received his commission as a Manitoba Land Surveyor, followed by receiving his commission as a Canada Lands Surveyor in 1995. In 1979, he established McBurney Land Surveys in Portage la Prairie and began his practice working out of the family home. Later, the practice moved to the Westward Village Inn (now the Canad Inns) where he calculated and plotted his surveys up until the day of his passing. Over 46 years, David built a reputation as a dedicated surveyor who truly loved his work. He took pride not only in the profession itself but also in the many people he worked with and for. If you live in Portage or in the surrounding area, chances are your property was surveyed by him at least once in its history.

Beyond his professional life, David nurtured a wide range of interests. He had a passion for history, geography, and current events, and was a walking vault of random facts. He loved family camping trips to Wasagaming in Riding Mountain, vacations in Mexico, and playing golf with his family. An animal lover, his cats always held a special place in his heart. But he also delighted in sharing treats with the dogs and horses he met along the way. He had a knack for collecting unusual objects (often discovered while surveying the countryside). Roadside monuments fascinated him, as did capturing photographs on the several road trips he would take with his family over the years in his latest Grand Marquis. A devoted fan of hot and sour soup from Dick’s Café, David never lost his appreciation for life’s small pleasures. He passed on to his children a deep love of curiosity and the “why” behind things. Always intrigued by new technology, David was often an early adopter, embracing every chance to keep learning and teaching.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Carol; his children, Matthew (Maegan) with daughter Sylora, and Kathlene (Richard) with children Samuel, James, and Charlotte. He also leaves behind his sisters, Carole and Diane (Jim); his half-brother, Lloyd (Joni); brothers-in-law Ray and Joe (Barb); and numerous nieces and nephews.

David was predeceased by his parents, Eva and Lloyd McBurney; his brother-in-law, Don; his half-brother, Lynn; his grandson, Terry; and Carol’s sisters Eleanor and Liz, along with Eleanor’s husband Jim.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the EMTs and Portage hospital staff for their compassionate care and dedication.

A private celebration of David’s life will be held with family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to the Manitoba Historical Society 710A – 1 Lombard Place Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3 or the Bryan I. Dreger Award at Red River College - Polytech C306-2055 Notre Dame Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com