November 12, 2014

Dear Sir,

I want to acknowledge the life of Dr Neil Burnie.

Passionate about everything he pursued, he was so intelligent, creative and energy filled that it often seemed he could not contain all the life force in his body.

We are all, personally and as a community, the better for it. Enthusiasm and dedication seemed to spill out of him, whether he was playing the saxophone, revealing something amazing to you through the microscope at Endsmeet or swimming with his beloved tiger sharks. He was full of wonder and excitement and typified the spirit of carpe diem more than anyone I know. He made all of us want to do more, be more and for that I thank him.

Let us all thank him and be inspired by him and honour him in a few meaningful ways. One, as an island let us thank all the ex-pats who come to us, embrace us, enjoy us, enlighten us and give so much back– Neil was a walking, talking sense-around advertisement for all that is spectacular about this island – he was dedicated and his spirit was infectious — it is sad that we often do not acknowledge those whom come to our shores and contribute so much.

Two, and this is important — if you really want to do something in his name buy a mask and fins for a child and take them snorkelling and explore — he clearly loved being overboard and wanted to educate us all about what we need to preserve and protect in our environment.

What do I take away from the life of Neil Burnie ? It’s this: if you love doing something “go for it” with gusto.

Life on this planet is one immense and magical gift. Open your eyes and you will be staggered by the wonders around you and Bermuda you do not have to go far to be awed.

SAD

Baileys Bay