DJ Burshaw
It is with a heavy heart, we announce the passing of DJ Burshaw after a brave battle on Sunday July 16th, 2023 in his 47th year.
DJ was deeply loved by his devoted wife, Kathy Korimsek, loving and supportive family and friends. DJ will remain forever in the hearts and thoughts of his parents, Delima and Peter Whittle of Belleville, Don Burshaw of Stirling and mother-in-law Josie Korimsek of Cobourg, brother to Anita (Mark) and Sylvia (Mary Ellen), uncle to Liberty, Rafi and Emerson. DJ will always be in the hearts of his aunts, uncles and cousins. DJ had a deep love for his dogs, Emmie Mae and will be reunited with Emmitt, Eli, Lucy and Saphron.
DJ was a dedicated employee of the City of Toronto for the past 22 years where he went above and beyond for the patrons who used his facility. He was respected and loved by his colleagues and coworkers.
Thank you for the care he received this past year from the incredible Oncology Team at Mount Sinai Hospital, including, Dr. Salawu, Dr. Pulenzas, Dr. Olwi and the incredible nursing staff. We would also like to thank the caring and compassionate doctors and nurses at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital for DJ’s care in his last days. Thank you as well, to his Diabetic Team at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Hospital for their continued support throughout DJ’s illness, and our family doctor, Dr. Vowinckel.
He loved spending time with Kathy and dogs. He is lovingly referred by Kathy as her gentle giant. He was a big guy with a beautiful heart and an incredibly soft spot for animals of any kind. He was a creative soul who loved to build incredible Lego creations, as well as, drawing and colouring. He loved all things nature and took any opportunity to immerse himself in it. He was an avid sports fan who loved his Cowboys and Jays. He will be fondly remembered by his York Football Crew as, Big D!!
Many thanks to our amazing family, friends and colleagues for the incredible love, support and understanding given to us over the past year. Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of DJ can be made to the Niagara Dog Rescue in Oakville, Ontario.
“Blue skies, big man.” (John Rice)
Linda Ross
DJ you were a beautiful person from the day you were born. Avery good person. You will be missed. Now you are on a different path. Enjoy it with no pain. Love Aunt Linda.
Denise Cross
DJ I know that you will be deeply missed by your family and friends. Kathy, I know that the next little while will be difficult but remember all the great times you two had together along with all your pups. He will be walking beside you wherever you go. Love Denise
Marilynn Keith
Deepest sympathy for you Kathy..have strength in knowing that the love you had together is forever in your heart…
Rhonda Fry
I still remember the day you come home from the hospital. You were the sweetest and most gentle little boy. Babysitting both you and Anita truly was a joy. Rest easy DJ your suffering is now over ♥️🩵♥️
Andrew Clowater
I’ll miss the Big Lug. A man who made me feel small. I was honoured to have been his Supervisor for the last few years but most importantly he was a friend. He always talked about his love for Kathy and his dogs. A gentle giant is the best definition. I’ll miss our chats and will forever dedicate any Lego I make to DJ. Love and hugs to Kathy and Emmie. RIP big guy. 🙏
Jessica
My condolences to his family and friends. I spent many summers hanging with DJ in Queensborough, we had so much fun!!
Rest easy DJ. ❤
Angelo Laurenza
I worked with DJ at the City. We met a long time ago working together at Herbert H Carnegie Arena. DJ at that time loved his chicken. He polished a hole chicken from Swiss Chalet. No problem at all. He absolutely was a gentle giant. A beautiful soul. Soft. Caring. Always ready to help. We lost a real gem. Heaven gained a great soul. God bless you DJ.
Luigi
DJ you will be missed .. you were a big guy with a bigger heart.. I will miss our daily chats at work I always learned something new about you or about various topics…Love and hugs to Kathy and Emmie.🙏🙏🙏
Luigi Rotondi
DJ you will be missed.. ❤️ you were a big guy with a bigger heart.. I will miss our daily chats at work I always learned something new about you and about various topics.. Sincere condolences, love and hugs to Kathy and Emmie.. 🙏🙏🙏
Julie Yeager
My dearest Kathy, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. DJ was and is a beautifully gentle soul. My heart is with your heart.
Cheryl Thrasher
To a soft, big hearted man that i will always remember looking up and respecting you and your kind words! We will always hold you in our hearts with the fondest of memories! Love Aunt Sher
Sasho Markovski
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Family and Friends of the Gentle Giant… from the Markovski Family
Shirley MacDonald
Kathy, hold all your memories close to your heart. Thinking of you always and sending hugs.
Amy
My sincere condolences to the family of DJ. I met him briefly while visiting in Toronto. He was a very hospitable man, with a lot of stories to share about his tattoos during my visit with the family. I enjoyed his joie de vivres and pet stories. Some wear their heart on their sleeve, I believe his tattoos were one way that he wore his heart on his sleeve. Gigantic hugs to you, dear friend Kathy. You can now rest easy knowing he knew you did everything you possibly could to bring comfort to him when he needed you. You’re an incredible human being. Lots of love, Amy
Evelyn Gillies
Kathy, you remain in all of our hearts at this difficult time. We know you will cherish all the wonderful memories of DJ.
Ev Gillies