Early Life and Background
William Johnston Burr, born on March 12, 1889, in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, was a prominent member of his family and community. He was the son of Joseph Burr and Mary Jane (Johnston) Burr, and he grew up with his two siblings, Alice Maud Mary Burr and James Benjamin Burr. William’s childhood in New Westminster impacted his work ethic and family values from an early age.
Marriage & Family
William Johnston Burr and Minerva Annette Smith married on December 24, 1914, in New Westminster, British Columbia. Minerva, the daughter of William Herbert Smith and Annie Lucy (Leeming) Smith, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 2, 1892. William and Minerva built a stable and loving family, raising one child, Raymond Burr, who went on to become a well-known actor.
Career & Contributions
William Johnston Burr worked as a hardware dealer, contributing to the local economy and supporting his family. His attention to his trade and concern for his family’s well-being reflected his hardworking personality. William’s life was defined by his modest resilience and consistent presence in the lives of people around him.
Connection with Raymond Burr
William Johnston Burr is best known as the father of Raymond Burr, a prominent actor who appeared in “Perry Mason” and “Ironside.” Raymond attributed much of his achievements and solid moral basis to his upbringing by his parents. The Burr family’s principles of hard work, tenacity, and honesty shaped Raymond’s life and profession.
Later Years and Legacy
William Johnston Burr led a long and productive life, dying on May 8, 1985, at the age of 96 in Delta, Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He was put to rest in Fraser Cemetery in New Westminster, British Columbia, with other Burr family members. His wife, Minerva Annette Smith, died on November 9, 1974, in Los Angeles County, California, at the age of 82. Raymond Burr ensured that Minerva’s remains was transferred to Canada for burial, respecting the family’s history and customs.
Memorial and Historical Records
Several genealogical websites, including FamilySearch, Ancestry, Find a Grave, and WikiTree, have recorded William Johnston Burr’s life. These papers document his birth, marriage, profession, and familial relationships, preserving his legacy for future generations. The Burr family’s ancestry has been carefully explored, highlighting their societal accomplishments and long-term effect.
The Burr Family Plot
William Johnston Burr’s last burial place at Fraser Cemetery represents the Burr family’s ongoing links to their Canadian ancestry. The family plot commemorates the deep relationships that William, Minerva, and their descendants shared. It is a place to remember and honor a family that valued tradition and connection.
Conclusion
William Johnston Burr’s life embodies the principles of devotion, endurance, and family loyalty. As Raymond Burr’s father, he helped shape the life of one of Hollywood’s most recognizable people. William’s achievements and legacy are still recognized and commemorated today via historical documents and family monuments.
