After a long and tenacious fight with Parkinson’s and Dementia, Burke passed away peacefully on May 5, 2020 in Victoria, BC.
Burke will be greatly missed by his loving wife Arlene and their sons; Brennan (Marie-Eve), Justin (Stephanie) and Devin (Amanda). He was a doting Grandpa Burke to Olivia, Sophie, Audie, Willa and Sully. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brothers and sisters; Lynda (Brian), Elaine (Ray), Mona (George), Phil (Barbara), Sean (Cindy); sister-in-law Sandra and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and wonderful friends.
Burke was predeceased by his parents Ernie and Mary Blanchfield, as well as his brother Dick.
A talented Research Assistant, Burke enjoyed a wonderful 37-year career in the Food and Drug Division of Health Canada in Ottawa. Affectionately nicknamed “Tigger” by his co-workers due to his energetic demeanour and general enthusiasm for life, his smile and laugh could light up any room. Naturally selfless and thoughtful of others, he was always more interested in your story than his own. Well-known for his love of the “beautiful game”, he used soccer to mentor countless youth in the values of sport and athleticism.
Recently, he and Arlene re-located to Victoria, to be closer to their family. Here, Burke received great care and compassion from the staff at the Kiwanis Pavilion, the Adult Day Program at Sunset Lodge, the Comfort Keepers of Victoria and Neuromotion Physiotherapy.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date in Ottawa. The family would also like to express their sincere thanks for all of the thoughtful phone calls, emails and cards during this difficult time. Those wishing may make donations in Memory of Burke to the Parkinson Society of Canada https://www.parkinson.ca/ or the Alzheimer Society of Canada https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/Get-involved/Ways-to-donate.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal”.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
22 Responses
Dear Arlene, I was so sad to learn about Burke’s passing.
My heart goes out to you and your loved ones. I remember Burke from that wonderful trip we all had to Cuba and he was such a fine man.
My most sincere condolences.
May he Rest In Peace
Arlene and family, Burke will be missed by many, he was a very special man to all he knew. Burke to me was always so accepting of the people he met never judging and always had a good thing to say or pass on. You have so many great memories hang onto them I am sure they will last you till the end of time. Love to all xo
Dear Arlene, words are so inadequate to convey my sincere and deepest sympathies to you and your family with the loss of Burke. He was a kind, gentle and fun loving man who I was honoured to call my cousin. He accepted his health reality with grace and dignity. I know you will miss him terribly but trust that you’ll be comforted by the promise that he is whole & well in his heavenly “Home” with his Lord and all his family and friends that have gone before him. Oh what rejoicing there will be.
Arlene,
My deepest condolences to you and the family on Burke’s passing. You remain in our prayers.
Dear Arlene and family,
Please accept my sincere condoleances on the passing of Burke. May the loving memories that you have built together help you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Colette Aubin-Beenen
Our best to you Arlene and your family. We we are thinking of you at this difficult time. Prayers to you from Carol and Dan Vahey
Osgoode Ontario
I remember Burke very fondly. As a member of St Augustine Parish I had many conversations with him.
A beautiful, gentle soul with an infectious smile. My deepest and sincerest condolences to the family, I truly share your pain and sorrow for your loss. Blessings from Ottawa.
To Arlene and family
Our deepest sympathy on Burks passing
Brian&Frankie
Sincere Condolences to Arlene and Family…
Burke will be missed and in everyone’s thoughts.
My Heart goes out to you Arleen.
You have bin a caring , beautiful Partner to Burke , I admired that so much . Burke had bin a Friend to all of us in the Sunset Lodge , we feel a great loss not seeing him again .
I wish I could come take you out for s Walk & have you a big hug ,
Sending you love & hope to see you soon