David Arthur Bursey

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David Arthur Bursey passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, April 28, 2023 after bravely living with dementia for the past 8 years. He was one month shy of his 84th birthday.

David was born in 1939, in Sunny Brae, New Brunswick to George and Zeta Bursey. He attended the Atlantic Baptist Bible Training School where he met the love of his life, Diane Elizabeth Keirstead of Hampton, NB. They were married in 1960 and moved to Montreal where David started his career. This is where they began their family. Stephen arrived first, followed by Beth, Greg, and Kim. Andrew arrived on the scene years later while living in Nova Scotia.

As a young man David was keenly interested in the brand new world of computers and computer programming. He developed the first computerized welfare system in Canada. He was very proud of that achievement even into his later years. After leaving the computer field, David turned his talents to business and entrepreneurship. An enthusiastic entrepreneur, David would own several businesses over the years.

His first, and arguably most successful business was Dixie Lee Fried Chicken. Along with his wife Diane, David moved their young family to Liverpool to open the popular take out restaurant. At one point David owned and operated five Dixie Lee restaurants along the South Shore. This success led to more creative ventures over the years. From fish to gum balls, ozone water to his beloved sniffer dog Maggie, he would passionately tell anyone and everyone who would listen to him about his latest endeavor. He never stopped planning and coming up with new business ideas. Even in his final days he was making plans to open up a chicken outlet downstairs in the nursing home.

David was always helping those in need. In the 1980’s, for 3 summers in a row, David and Diane hosted Lobster Suppers at the Liverpool United Baptist Church. Their fundraising donations went to World Vision which helped children in under developed countries overcome poverty. At a local level he donated countless meals and financial gifts to community groups, sports teams, and schools. He helped out individuals and families in need who were down on their luck and needed a boost to get back on their feet. He performed selfless acts without the expectation of anything in return. He truly was a generous man.

But if there was one thing that David was most proud of, it was his family. He supported and encouraged all of their passions and interest whether it be sports, music, dirtbikes, horses, or academics. He was at every game, every recital, every performance, cheering on his children and grandchildren as they competed and performed. He was their biggest supporter. David was so proud of his children, often boasting and bragging about them.

David is survived by his wife of 62 years Diane (Keirstead), his children Stephen (Michelle), Beth (Philip) Harding, Greg (Alice Cannan), Kim (Mark) Chiasson and Andrew (Linda), his beloved grandchildren Renée Bursey, Sam & Seth Harding, Jack & Evan Chiasson and his great granddaughter Kaia Chiasson. He is also survived by his sisters Judie (John) Grantham & Bonnie Lyon and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents George and Zeta (West) Bursey, and his sister Dawne (Ian) Hutchison.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Chandler’s Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS, on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 7:00 until 9:00 pm, with words of remembrance at 7:30 pm. The family will be there to welcome friends, family and colleagues. Donations can be made to the Queens County Food Bank or Queens General Hospital Foundation. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.chandlersfuneral.com