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
We were sorry to read in the Ottawa Citizen of Burke’s passing! Our sincere condolences to you, Arlene and all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerely, Terry and Marj. (McDiarmid) Nolan
Our sincerest condolences to all Burke’s family and especially his siblings. My Mom, Marjorie Turner Smith was a first cousin of Burke’s mother Mary.
Burke will be welcomed by his parents & brother Dick. May he Rest In Peace
Dear Arlene
I’m very saddened to hear of Burke’s death. My sympathy to you and your family.
Back in the 60’s at O.T.H.S., Burke was part of “The Purple Gang” which usually involved Pool on Friday nights, a trip to The Lighthouse or occasionally The Chaud on Saturday night and a Sunday afternoon tour. High school over, two went to E.I.O.T. and two into the trades. These were good times, followed by different good times as marriages, families, jobs and life drifted us apart. Sincere condolences to Arlene and family. Remember the good times. Rest in Peace, Burke.
My condolences to you Arlene and your family. Though I only met Burke a few times at Doug and Terrys
He seem to be a fun loving, good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult
time.
Arleen, Brennan and family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Burke. While we only met briefly, I appreciated how you, Arleen, and Burke hosted several of us at your home during a short weekend reprieve from University with Brennan. You were gracious hosts and reflected all of the great qualities that are so obvious to all of us that have spent time with your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Dear Arlene and family Tony and I were saddened to hear of Burke.s passing.He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.Hope to see you in Ottawa
Dear Arlene we were so sad to hear of Burke’s passing please accept our heartfelt condolences. He was a wonderful person that we had the privilege of knowing.
John and Barb Carmichael(Daley)
To Arlene and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Burke. Always with a friendly hello and a smile when he would see Louie and I…mostly at celebrations!
Take good care!
Louis and Patricia Dewan
Dearest Arlene, We were very saddened to hear about Burke’s passing. We have fond memories of him. You were both such kind and gentle neighbours. Our deepest sympathies, Tony, Connie and family.