Donald Tupper Burgess

CALAIS – Donald T. Burgess, 58, passed away September 11, 2013 in Calais surrounded by his loved ones. Donnie was born to Robert B. and Betty (Tupper) Burgess September 23, 1954 in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. He grew up in Calais where he met and married his best friend and soul mate, Mary-Jo Gillespie on March 18, 1978. Donnie worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator with the local mills then enjoyed many more years working as a car salesman at Border Motors in Calais. He was a member of St. Croix Lodge No. 46 A.F. & A.M. of Calais. He enjoyed many happy hours fishing and loved four wheeling in Tomah with his wife. Time spent with his grandchildren was so precious to Donnie. Donnie was such a kindhearted man and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Donnie was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Mary-Jo Burgess; son, Robert “Robbie” Burgess and his wife Jure of Calais; two grandchildren, Baylee and Hayden Burgess of Calais; brother, Robert “Bobby” Burgess of Freeport; mother and father-in-law, Larry and Mary Gillespie of Calais; sister-in-law, Michelle Brown and her husband Dean of Alexander; a niece who was special to his heart, Tonia Lanier and her husband Austin and their children, Carson, Delayne and Jack of Calais; special nephews, Shane Brown and his fiancée Caitlin of Bangor and Evan Brown and his wife Kristin and their daughter Leah of Alexander; many extended family members and lots of friends with a special mention to Donnie and Mary-Jo’s dear friends, Kathy and Jeff Demmons and Faye and Joey Donovan. A celebration of Donnie’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 15th at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calais Regional Hospital, In-Patient Care Unit, 24 Hospital Ln, Calais, ME 04619. Services by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.