Eldon passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at Cowichan District Hospital leaving behind his wife of 27 years Valerie Burnside (Scott-Polson). Survived by children Brenda, Gary (Sylvan), Tammy, Gerry, George, Steve Keel (Rebecca), Brian (Laura) by grandchildren Khristy (Andrew), William, Luke, Tyler, Kelsey (Brandon), Justin, Brooke, Taylor, Meghan, Damon, Dane and Sadie, great grand-child Bentley (to arrive) and sister Carol McLean. He is also remembered by aunts, cousins, and his many friends in both the trucking and draft horse/farming circles on Vancouver Island.
He is pre-deceased by his parents Harry Burnside and Frances Parr and grandchildren Karla Keel and Timothy Burnside. Eldon was born in Kinistino, SK before moving to Nipawin, SK as a child, Duncan, BC as a teen, and then Sidney, BC as a young adult. Driving was a huge part of his life whether driving gravel trucks, draft horse hitches or teaching others to do one or the other. In 45 years of driving truck for the Bowcott family companies and then for himself, he saw many changes on the Saanich Peninsula and built life-long relationships with customers, peers and residents alike.
He was always excited to introduce observers to draft horses through his showmanship driving multiple horse hitches at various country fairs, weddings, graduations and opening for the RCMP Musical Ride.
Celebration of Life will be held at Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave. Sidney on Sunday, January 13th at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Eldon’s name to “Jeneece Place “ (www.jeneeceplace.org) To offer condolences please go to www.hwwallacecbc.com.