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In Loving Memory of Thomas James “Tom” Burke
Passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 21st, 2023, at the age of 69.
Beloved husband of Joann for 41 years. Dear father of Talitha, Christina and her husband Pete and predeceased by Adam. Loving Grampa to Kayle, Morgan (deceased), Poet, Malia, Dawson, Denver, Olivia, Riley, Maya, Mckenna, Logan, Lucas and Papa Tom to many. Dear brother of Carol (deceased), Barbara, Butch (deceased), Ed, Donald, John (Leona) and cherished son of the late Helen and Robert. Fondly remembered by his kids childhood friends Susie, Josh and his beloved dog Bella Helen.
Tom and Joann raised their three kids in the Parry Sound area after moving from BC in the early 80s. Tom coached Adam’s hockey, all three kids in baseball and soccer, and also played on the adult leagues himself, developing a large social circle of hockey and baseball “family”. He worked throughout his life as a carpenter, taking pride in his craftsmanship and dependability. After his first Ontario grandchild was born, he and Joann moved from Parry Sound to the Haliburton Highlands to be closer to Christina and her growing family. He loved his grandkids and being around them was one of his favourite pastimes! He finished off his working life at Timber Mart, where he met many new friends that he has continued to keep in touch with over the past few years since retiring in 2020.
To stave off the boredom of retirement, he started Burke’s Birdhouses. He built bright, colorful birdhouses that he would sell and donate all of the funds to local charities. To date he has raised a total of $4500 for nine different charities. After the loss of his son, Adam, in 2021, Tom eventually found his way back into his basement workshop to continue with his birdhouse building. We know he took that time to grieve his son, something that he never would recover from. We believe he found solace in that space, and we look forward to selling his remaining birdhouses to donate to what will be his final charity, Snowflake Meadows.
Friends are invited to visit the family at the Gordon A. Monk Funeral Home Ltd., 127 Bobcaygeon Rd., P.O. Box 427, Minden K0M 2K0 on Saturday, December 30, 2023 from 11:00 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 pm. Reception to follow in the Monk-Cray Family Centre at the funeral home. Cremation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks for donations to our local food bank, Snowflake Meadows (cheques only – he was halfway to his $500 goal!) and Walkabout Farms, three organizations that he felt a deep respect for.
Thursday December 21st 2023
Death notice for the town of: Minden, Province: Ontario
death notice Thomas James Tom Burke Thursday December 21st 2023
obituaries notice Thomas James Tom Burke Thursday December 21st 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Thomas James Tom Burke Thursday December 21st 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
