Ferdinand James McBurnie

May 23, 1928 - February 9, 2018

Ferdinand James McBurnie was born May 23, 1928 to the union of Anthony and Velera McBurnie in Vandon Village, Greneda. West Indies. He was the oldest of nine children, Christiana Hamilton, Atlyn Penney, Felix McBurnie, Doughlin Thomas, Thomas McBurnie, John McBurnie, Caroline Layne, (Trinidad W 1), Michael (Rocklane) McBurnie (US Virgin Islands). In 1969, Ferdinand relocated to Chicago, Illinois. He received his early education in Grenada. He was also a Mason and a Painter. Ferdinand met and later married Daphne McBurnie. To this union they raised two daughters Genevieve and Dianne and also a stepson Kelvin. Ferdinand was known as “Mac” or “Fordie” for his generous spirit and hospitality to others. He loved to cook his oxtail and meat. He was a very independent person and loved his family. He retired from the Kings Homes in Evanston, where he worked as a Painter. On February 9, 2018, Ferdinand fell asleep in death. He was preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Velera McBurnie; siblings Christiana Hamilton, Atlyn Penney, Felix McBurnie, Doughlin Thomas, Thomas McBurnie and John McBurnie; daughter Dianne Cudjoe; one grandson Ian McBurnie. Ferdinand leaves to cherish his memories, his sister Caroline Layne; brother Michael (Rocklane); children Genevieve (Lee) Robinson and Kelvin Mohammad Ali; 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren (Tatiana McBurnie); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.