Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography
In Loving Memory of George Burfoot
In loving memory of George Burfoot
25 November 1937 – 13 April 2026
Donations to Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) are warmly welcomed in memory of George Burfoot. Your support will help continue the work that meant so much to him, protecting and enhancing the Isle of Man’s natural environment and inspiring people to act for nature. In remembering George in this way, you are helping to create a lasting, positive impact for wildlife and our Island.
Provided by the family of George Burfoot
A note from the family of George Burfoot
Our Dad, George, was known by many names – Nibbo, Grandad, GPG – and he wore each of them with pride. For forty years he worked as an electrical planning engineer with the Southern Electricity Board, but his love was for the outdoors.
A lifelong Scout, he took us camping, taught us to read maps, tie knots, and build a proper bonfire. He supported countless wildlife and conservation organisations, including Butterfly Conservation, British Wildlife, Plantlife, and Kew Gardens. He especially loved his time as a volunteer ranger with the Staffordshire and Hampshire Wildlife Trusts, where he learned a great deal, gained practical skills, and spent many happy hours outdoors.
After retiring, Dad finally fulfilled a long-held dream: studying environmental science. He completed a degree at Chichester in Hampshire and went on to study a second at Staffordshire University.
He often visited his good friend Eliz on the Isle of Man, where he truly adopted the Manx way of life and Gaelic phrase “Traa Dy Liooar” – “there is always time enough”. It perfectly reflected his relaxed approach to life; he was never one to rush and whatever needed doing could wait until tomorrow. Together they shared many adventures, travelling to places near and far such as Edinburgh, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Canada.
In his later years, Dad remained full of character and humour. His heart was full, and he shared many stories of life with all those around him. He will stay with us always; in the memories we hold and the stories we continue to tell.
Because those who loved him are scattered across many miles, Dad asked for a simple cremation with no service. To honour his wishes, please take a moment to think of him at 9:30am on Thursday 30 April 2026. Reflect on who he was, what he meant to you, and celebrate his life. Step outside if you can. Notice the sky, the birds, the quiet things he cared for.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Manx Wildlife Trust would be warmly welcomed, helping to honour Dad’s memory while supporting a cause that meant so much to him.
He leaves a space that cannot be filled, and he will be deeply missed.
With love,
All his family x
(c) Adam Morgan and Ciara Hardisty, Biosphere Photographers in Residence