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Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Kevin Burke announce his sudden passing on January 1st 2023, in his 82nd year of life. Kevin is the loving husband of Eleanor and cherished father to Gord, Jeanette, Amanda and Vincent. Poppy to Travis and Layla, Callum and Declan, Theo, Jasmine and Trinity. Predeceased by his father Frank Burke and mother Gertrude Burke of Bell Isle NFLD and brothers Gordon, Miles and Joseph. He is survived by his sisters Margorie (Don), Linda and brothers Gerald and Richard.
Kevin was born on Bell Island NFLD in 1941, the oldest of 8 children. In his late teens Kevin hitchhiked to Ontario to pursue his dream of playing professional baseball. This relocation led to a once in a lifetime meeting with Eleanor Chaplin. The marriage would endure almost 50 years, with Kevin passing suddenly 2 days after their 49th wedding anniversary. Kevin’s life was filled with proud moments and experiences, but his love and adoration for his wife and family was a constant in his life.
To know Kevin was to know a man who represented a past generation. He was strong, hardworking, principled, confident and an amazing story teller. When he walked in a room, you knew he was there. He was observant and knew life like no other. His advice, guidance and knowledge of the world were unique, born from hard fought experiences in the ring, on the diamond and in the streets that lent his voice and advice true significance.
Kevin was hardworking beyond all else, working for the Halton District School Board for 40 years. He took pride and enjoyed his work as a custodian. He took great satisfaction when he would spend a hot summer day in July painting classrooms for his teachers, so the school was ready for them in the fall. Kevin loved his job and the people he worked with, to the point where he never retired!
Kevin will be known to many in town for his dedication to sports and specifically baseball in Georgetown. As the original coach and founder of the Georgetown Eagles, Kevin believed so strongly in a group of 8 young talented ball players that he coached them weekly for 3 years before they were allowed to enter a regular intercounty hardball league. Pushing beyond all obstacles, this group of boys would become the Georgetown Junior Eagles and rep baseball in Georgetown was born. His love for the game is a symbol and a metaphor for his life, and maybe yours too:
The Baseball Blessing
May you always find your arm slot,
May all your swings be pure,
Through every bruise and bad hop,
I hope that you endure,
May your change up find the strike zone,
May your blooper find a hole,
Let all your dreams hit down the line,
Stay just inside the pole,
May the wind blow out when you’re at bat,
This is my wish for you
And if you’re ever in a jam,
I hope that you turn two.
Kevin will be sadly missed by friends, family and all who knew him.
Friends will be received at the Jones Funeral Home (11582 Trafalgar Rd, Georgetown) on Friday January 6th from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church (14400 Argyll Rd, Georgetown) on Saturday January 7th, 2023 at 10:30 am. Internment Greenwood Cemetery. Reception to follow back at Holy Cross Church Hall. In memory contributions to Halton Hills Minor Baseball Association or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. To send expressions of sympathy please visit www.jonesfuneralhome.co
January 1 2023
Death notice for the town of: Georgetown, Province: Ontario
death notice Kevin Francis Burke January 1 2023
obituaries notice Kevin Francis Burke January 1 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kevin Francis Burke January 1 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
