Parcourez la nécrologie de Robert Wayne Burke 1953 2025 résidant dans la province Nova Scotia pour le détail des funérailles
We are
devastated to announce the passing of our husband, father,
grandfather, brother, and dear friend, Robert Wayne Burke of Doctors
Brook on May 15, 2025. Wayne survived 10 years of cancer’s
grasp, he ended his fight, in his beloved home, surrounded by those he
loved.
Wayne was
born in Amherst on June 26th, 1953, to Frank
and Helen (Misken) Burke. He grew up as the second oldest of six
rambunctious boys (son #2 of Frank’s dirty half dozen). He
spent his childhood between Amherst and Montreal and made many special
memories at the family cottage in Jacksons
Point.
Wayne’s first love surprisingly
wasn’t Catherine, but a little sailboat called the Chicken
of the Sea. He spent many happy hours sailing the waters of Jacksons
Point and getting into more than a little mischief along the way.
A strike of
good fortune at an old university classmates dorm led to the next
greatest chapter of Wayne’s life. While waiting for an
elevator, he laid eyes on the woman who would become his partner in
life for 49 years. Wayne and Catherine were married May
8th 1976 and created a beautiful life beginning
in a small apartment in Halifax. Shortly after Adam made them a family
of three, they moved to Antigonish for a 6 month position at Scotia
Bank as Loans Officer. That 6 months turned into forever as they
settled in Antigonish permanently and completed their family with
their daughter Abby.
He wore many
hats over the years, Loans Officer, Assistant Bank Manager, Car
Salesperson, and then Credit Manager at Central Supplies where he
finished out his official work life. He made many connections over the
years with people all over Antigonish and Guysborough counties. He
provided advice and support for numerous people that helped build
businesses, improve futures, and encourage the growth of the local
area. He enjoyed the intricacies of the financial world in which he
worked and took pride in the role he played within that world. The
last job he took on after retirement was that of a lobster boat deck
hand, fishing with the young guys (and keeping up just fine, thank you
very much). Wayne o Mosquito was always up to a
challenge.
The hat he
loved most though, was as a father and grandfather. Family ski trips,
sailing the Bras D’Or’s and elsewhere on the
Acajou, and camping trips were what made Wayne most happy. Their
cottage is a place that has seen many bonfires, lobster weekends,
horseshoes and washer tosses, BBQ’s and parties that have
created memories for so many that will be cherished forever more. The
addition of the screen room created a space that blocked the wind
nicely for the annual Christmas Eve BBQ, finally we could sing carols
and cook without freezing and the BBQ blowing
out.
He took great
pride in keeping the property well-manicured, especially the Wayne
Burke Provincial Picnic Park of Doctors Brook. He loved watching his
grandchildren play on the front lawn that was kept meticulously free
of rocks thrown by winter storms. Flower beds and vegetable gardens,
play sets and walkways made a space he was happy to share with family
and friends.
Sailing trips
to PEI, the Magdelin Islands, in the Bras D’Or’s,
around Arisaig and the Strait of Canso allowed him to witness many
sunrises and sunsets and a few rough seas along the way. His longest
sailing trip was to Puerto Rico and made him many exciting memories
while passing Norfolk and staying out at sea for 12 days. The water
was his happy place.
He enjoyed
many long trips with his motorcycle both with Catherine and his large
group of friends, many of whom later became trail mates on buggy rides
through hill and dale and a lot of mud. Wayne was fond of a good
conversation with anyone and everyone he met (grocery store trips were
not such a quick venture) there was always a tale to tell. In the
quiet times, he loved a good glass of wine while sitting on the deck
with Catherine, watching the sun set over Northumberland Strait.
Wayne is
survived by his wife of 49 years, Catherine (Boyce); son, Adam and
favourite daughter-in-law, Tania, Antigonish; daughter, Abby Oliver
and favourite son-in-law, Brett, Charlottetown; grandchildren,
Shannyn, Hayden, and Lauryn, Antigonish; brothers, Michael (Debbie),
Tremont; Stephen (Vicki), Margaretsville; Paul (Vera), Florida; Kenny,
Alabama; and David (Iris), Chester Basin; several nieces and nephews
and many family and friends.
He is
predeceased by his parents Frank and Helen (Misken)
Burke.
His family
would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to Dr. John
Chaisson, the St. Martha’s Palliative Care team, and his
entire oncology team that were beside him for every step of this
journey and made his final wish become reality. His community of
friends provided so much comfort and support over the years.
It will never be forgotten.
Visitation
will be held Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm in C.L. Curry Funeral
Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be
held Thursday at 11:00am in St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Arisaig,
with Reverend Rowland Uzoma Agomuo
presiding.
The funeral
will be recorded and available on the funeral home website shortly
after the conclusion of the Mass.
Donations in
memory of Wayne may be made to St. Martha’s Regional
Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care Unit), The Canadian Cancer
Society, or a charity of your choice.
Online
condolences: www.clcurry.com
1953 2025
Décès pour la Ville Antigonish, Province Nova Scotia
avis deces Robert Wayne Burke 1953 2025
nécrologie Robert Wayne Burke 1953 2025
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