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With heavy hearts we share that after a brief illness, Sandy passed away peacefully in his 94th year on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was predeceased (2010) by his loving wife of 53 years, Elma Marvella (Vella) nee Bevan. Born in 1931 in Dublin, Ireland, he was the beloved Son of Alexander (Alick) and Eileen (nee Despard); dear Brother to Rosemary (Stan); Father to Nicholas (Karen), Jeffery aka Toby (Mary Ann), Valerie (David); Grandfather to Nicole (Rhydian), Alexandra (Ryan), Aidan (Thu), Jessica (Jon), Adrianna, Elizabeth (Marc), Ryan, Heather (Marcin), Kristin (Shawn); and Great-Granddad to Isla, Poet, Charlotte, Saoirse, and Walker.
Sandy arrived in Halifax in February 1951 and two days later, Valentine’s Day, he walked up Yonge Street in Toronto marvelling at the beautiful heart-shaped chocolate boxes in the shop windows. Curious and well-read with a prodigious memory and interest in new things, he was a source of great knowledge that he was happy to share, often at length – he loved to talk. Sandy was a man of many hats – adventurer, winemaker, beekeeper, linguist, writer. An avid outdoorsman, he took to the splendor of the Canadian wilderness, joining the Ontario Voyagers Kayak Club, whitewater canoeing, kayaking and camping along Ontario rivers. He enjoyed hiking and was a member of the Bruce Trail Association for many years. When he moved from Toronto to Burlington in 1970, he founded the Burlington Wine Guild where he connected with and befriended likeminded local vintners. After a chance meeting with a local beekeeper, Sandy took up beekeeping, a “hobby” that expanded to the purchase of 300 hives with a partner. After a long career with Royal Insurance, Sandy retired in 1996 and traveled extensively with Vella. Later in life, Sandy joined the Burlington Seniors’ Centre where he participated in Spanish lessons, World History classes, current events discussions, and creative writing, co-authoring and publishing a series of fictional short story books. It was through the Seniors’ Centre that Sandy made many new and dear friends who brought him great purpose and joy.
In his final days he said, “I think I have sucked about as much goodness as I can from this life, and now it’s time to go.”
Visitation at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 485 Brant Street, (one block north of City Hall), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 4-7 p.m., where the Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 1 p.m. Reception to follow.
Matthew 11: 28-30 Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.
Wednesday January 15th 2025
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario
death notice Sandy Burke Wednesday January 15th 2025
obituaries notice Sandy Burke Wednesday January 15th 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sandy Burke Wednesday January 15th 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
