Henry William Burke
1929-2019
It is with profound sadness we disclose
the passing of Henry W Burke, occurring
on Thursday, 31 January, 2019 following complications associated with
several strokes. In the care of his loving family and
following a long struggle, Henry quietly and peacefully passed into
the arms of God. The unexpected death occurred at Uxbridge
Cottage Hospital in Uxbridge, Ontario, with his daughters Margaret Ann
and Cathy at his side holding his hands.
Henry was predeceased by his Father and
Mother, Emile and Queenie (Light) Burke and by his devoted wife of 42
years June Lillian (Wilson). He is survived by their eight
children: Margaret Ann (Bryan); Michael; Sharon (John); James (Kelly);
Lesa; Henry; Cathy; Bradley (Lorrie); 11 Grandchildren and
three Great Grandchildren. He is also survived by his
special Cousin James Rutherford and his wife Mary Rutherford
and by his partner of many years Jean (Hoeg) Joel.
Born in River Hebert, Henry was educated
in the River Hebert school system. Soon
after graduation the family moved to the Toronto
area. There he spent a long career as a
Superintendent of Parks for the Province of
Ontario. During that time he pursued Continuing Education
courses with St. John Ambulance. His “after
work” job became Night School Instructor and Trainer for
that Company. He continued in these two positions
until retirement to River Hebert.
Henry was a man of great compassion and
gratitude. He was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Catholic
Church where he was a Minister of the Eucharist, going into homes in
the Parish to serve communion and update church activities to those
who were ill and shut in. He frequently and gladly drove
friends and neighbors to numerous medical appointments in Halifax, New
Glasgow, Moncton, Truro or any destination needed.
He was never idle, carefully caring for his property, gardening,
mowing, repairing. Henry loved fishing and his trips with his sons
brought him great pleasure. He attended monthly lunch group
meetings of the “River Hebert Boys” in
Halifax. An avid hockey fan, he coached teenage hockey for
years and eagerly followed his Toronto Maple Leaf
games. He ice skated into his mid 80’s. Henry bowled weekly
with his Amherst 55Club league. He looked forward to weekly card games
with his friends at the River Hebert/Joggins Senior card
group.
Henry and Jean enjoyed many trips
touring the Maritime provinces, Spain, Mexico, Florida and the
New England states, always looking for a new trail to
walk.
This wonderful man was best Father, best
partner, best friend and will live forever in our
hearts.
Arrangements have been entrusted to
Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church
St., Amherst, NS (902-667-8777). To allow family to attend
the funeral and burial, Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul’s Roman
Catholic Church, River Hebert on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 11 am,
Rev. Father Phil Thibodeau officiating. After which, Henry
will be laid to rest beside his wife June Lillian (nee Wilson), in the
St. Denis Cemetery, Minudie, NS.
Donations in memory of Henry may be made
to the St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church Parish, or a charity of your
choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may
be sent to the family by visiting Henry’s online memorial at
www.furlongjones.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre
Facebook Page.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Henry William Burke 19292019..
furlong jones funeral and cremation services
Death notice for the town of: Amherst, Province: Nova Scotia