Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nouveau-Brunswick for funeral details
Ray, a native of Moncton N.B., passed away on October 29,
2023 at the age of 96 with his beloved wife Gisèle by his
side. Gisèle said that to the very end, Ray kept his sense
of humor, his independent spirit, a keen interest in the news, and an
enduring love of family, friends, and community.
Ray had a very lively and busy lifetime agreeing with the
phrase “Variety is the spice of life”. Even as his
eventful life was drawing to an end, Ray kept looking forward to new
experiences. He felt very blessed to have had a long and active life.
Despite his recent health issues, he would say “Who am I to
complain when there are so many others with more troubles”.
His optimism was part of his outlook on life.
During his varied career, he was an engineer, a businessman,
a stockbroker, an underground miner, a radio and television host, and
a newspaper editor and publisher. His passion was journalism, and he
became an accomplished newsman. In his early career he
worked in radio, was the general manager of the Northern Light
newspaper, and helped to found the Bathurst Tribune and Tribune
Chaleur. He also wrote articles for the Moncton Times and
the Saint John Telegraph.
He may be most remembered for his long tenure as the news
director at CKBC radio in Bathurst, with his remarkable baritone
informing listeners of the news events of the day. Upon
retirement to New Maryland in the mid-nineties, he continued to follow
his journalistic passion by working with the local New Maryland paper
interviewing interesting people in the community.
Ray took his journalistic role to heart with great pride and
professionalism. He saw himself as a fair and impartial news reporter
able to engage anyone on any topic. He gained prominence for
interviewing major newsmakers who visited N.B. and several Canadian
prime ministers, including John Diefenbaker whom he determinedly
tracked to a N.B. fishing lodge to secure a major news
exclusive.
Ray pursued numerous hobbies and activities. He was an
amateur radio hobbyist, built and flew radio-controlled airplanes, a
square dance caller, a pilot, a musician, and a boat builder. He
enjoyed travelling, mountain climbing, windsurfing, and winemaking,
and championed the development of a cross-country ski park for the
community to have a healthy fun winter activity. He liked crossword
puzzles, reading, playing cards, and took great pleasure in hosting
friends and relatives, entertaining them with his countless stories.
He loved animals and had many cats, dogs, birds and even a pet skunk
“Stinky”.
His varied career and interests took him from Moncton to
Saint Xavier University in N.S. to the other side of Canada working
Vancouver, Kitimat, and New Westminster, then on to San Francisco and
crossing the continent once again to study at NYU in New York City.
Upon returning to his roots in New Brunswick, Ray settled in Bathurst
where he became the loving father of five daughters and three sons.
He and his cherished wife of 42 years, Gisèle,
settled in New Maryland and after many happy years, they left in 2020
to return to Moncton. This move brought back many great childhood
memories for Ray with frequent visits to the Pointe-du-Chêne
wharf where he had learned to swim as a child, and to the beautiful
east coast beaches.
He is survived by his wife, Gisèle McCaie-Burke;
his six children: Elisabeth (Gregory Smith), Julieanne (late Lance
Sloman), James, Marya (Bob Hudson), Martina (Bruce Gilham), and Rava;
his seven grandchildren: Connor Sloman (Ashley), Aidan Sloman (Megan),
Teghan Nightengale (Anabella), Liam Nightengale, Malcolm Burke
(Lauren), Meghan Hudson (Morgan), and Veronika Burke, and his
great-granddaughter, Scarlett Sloman. Others who mourn him
include several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and
nephews, goddaughters, Andrea Melanson (Marc) and Sally
Chamberlain-Duguay (Phil), extended family including Linda Belanger
(Martin), and many friends.
Ray is predeceased by two of his children: his infant son
Rodger and his son Stephen; by his parents, Arthur Bourque and
Catherine Breau; his brothers: Ronald and Norman; and by the mother of
his children, Francesca Beehler.
The family would like to thank doctors, nurses and support
staff at The Moncton Hospital and at the Extra-Mural program –
Driscoll unit for their exceptional care, and to Dr. Jules Melanson,
his family physician.
A memorial service celebrating Ray’s life will be
held on Monday November 20, 2023 at Frenette Funeral Home and
Cremation Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (506-858-1900) with the
ceremony starting at 2:00 pm. Interment will be at Our Lady of Calvary
cemetery in Dieppe.
For those who wish to honor Ray’s memory, donations
can be made to the Extra Mural Program, the Friends of The Moncton
Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Words of comfort and donations may
be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com
1927 2023
Death notice for the town of: Moncton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
death notice Raymond ”Ray” Burke 1927 2023
obituaries notice Raymond ”Ray” Burke 1927 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Raymond ”Ray” Burke 1927 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
