The Burleigh Wile Award is named for dedicated and former OHS (Ostomy Halifax Society) President (1988-1990). The award is presented each year in appreciation of outstanding and dedicated service to Ostomy Halifax Society.
Burleigh Wile - Metro Halifax Chapter Unsung Hero
written in 2002 by Bernice Richards, Past President, Metro Halifax Chapter
The acknowledgement of Burleigh Wile as an unsung hero is long overdue. He was born in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, and served in the armed forces in the second world war as an instrument mechanic. After the war he attended Acadia University and Technical University earning a degree in civil engineering and in his latter years worked for the Department of National Defence until his retirement in 1986. Burleigh, a widower, was married for thirty-five years to Margaret and they had three children, one girl and two boys, who have made him the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren.
Burleigh had his colostomy in February, 1986, joined Metro Halifax Chapter that March, and immediately became a working member. The chapter hosted a Regional Conference in 1987 and under the leadership of then-President, Tony Goldsmith, Burleigh was constantly available - making signs, running errands, helping with set-up - in other words, he was the conference "gofer".
Burleigh became a certified visitor as soon as was possible and would always answer "YES" to making a visit. He makes sure that the grocery tapes collected by members are delivered to the local office of the grocery chain involved for monetary reimbursement. Never one to watch the scene go by, he is a Past President of our chapter, (when Tony Goldsmith passed away unexpectedly in 1987, Burleigh immediately stepped forward to accept the role of President, which he performed for one term) and has been Travel Coordinator for many, many years, arranging for members to drive to other chapters all over the Maritimes, e.g. Saint John and Moncton, N.B., Sydney, Valley points, Yarmouth, New Glasgow, etc. in Nova Scotia year after year.
In other words, Burleigh is an "active" member in every sense of the word. We are very happy to sing the praises of our chapter's hero, Burleigh Wile---no longer unsung.
Burleigh Russell Wile passed away on 9 January, 2003. The Burleigh Wile Award was created in his honour that same year to recognize those of our members who work diligently and quietly behind the scenes and without whom the Chapter would not be so successful.
Born 1927 in Bridgewater, NS
Buried Brookside Cemetery Bridgewater
