Douglas Beattie Burrows

Douglas Beattie Burrows, known to many as Doug, passed away on December 31, 2023, in Venice, Florida, at the age of 88. He was born on December 24, 1935, in Guelph, Ontario. Doug is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne Burrows, and his children: Tammy Greisiger, Belinda Hall (Ronald), Wesley Burrows, Sean Burrows, Jeremy Brown, and Patrick Brown (Ria). He was also a cherished grandfather to Josh, Grant, Micala, Jessica, Lyndsey, Katharine, Will, Savanna, Brandi, Brittany, Derek, Alicia, Danika, Boyd & Joshua. As well as a Great Grandfather to Arianna, Aiden, Tatiana, June, Champ, Jack, Dexter, Olive, Landon, Audrey, Calvin, Liam, Knox, Lauren, Emmitt, Grayson & Cameron. In addition to many Nieces, Nephews and In-Laws in Canada. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Orel and Ina Burrows. His first wife, Naomi “Merle” (Jotham) Burrows, and his great grandson Kristopher Greisiger. Doug attended GCVI (Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute) in Guelph, Ontario. In 1957, he moved to Daytona Beach and in 1962, he made a home for him and his family in Venice. Doug had a successful career as a Florida State Board Certified Licensed Optician. Doug practiced in Venice for over 35 years and was the proud owner of Burrows Optical for the last 23 years of his career. When entering the office, clients would be greeted by his faithful Cocker Spaniel (“Mr. Butch”, as the patients called him). Doug achieved numerous certifications and accolades throughout his career, including being a member of the American Board of Opticianry and the International Academy of Opticianry. In 1995, he was honored as Optician of the Year. Doug was highly regarded in his field and made significant contributions to the opticianry community. Outside of work, Doug had a passion for building hot rods, particularly early model Fords. His expertise and craftsmanship were showcased in various Street Rodding magazines. Though most of his Fords were purchased and shipped as far away as New Zealand, a few can still be seen around Venice today. He was also an avid scuba diver and was one of the first rescue divers in Venice. Doug even pioneered the use of prescription lenses in dive masks, revolutionizing the diving experience for many. A Celebration of Life for Doug Burrows will be held on April 21, 2024, from 12 PM to 4 PM at Maxine Barritt Park, 1800 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285. Friends and family are invited to gather and reminisce about the wonderful memories shared with Doug. Douglas Beattie Burrows will be deeply missed by his loved ones and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. His legacy as a dedicated optician, talented hot rod builder, and adventurous scuba diver will forever be remembered. May he rest in peace.

Tributes

Douglas Beattie Burrows

December 24, 1935 - December 31, 2023