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John Francis (Jack) Burke

John Francis (Jack) Burke

Born: June 16th, 1923

Passed on: April 6th, 2014

Long Harbour Mt. Arlington Heights June 16, 1923 - April 6, 2014 It is not a sad day when Jack spent his last day holding the hand of the women he loved for over 70 years. He first told Gladys Murphy from Crawleys Island he loved her in his fathers stage in Sibley's Cove, (Long Harbour - Mt. Arlington Heights) circa 1944. Jack married Gladys in 1952. He guided his 10 children with love and kindness never once raising his voice except in song. Extremely proud to say he was their father are: Sandra (Michael Dwyer), Lester, Geri (Ray Dunn), Gloria Hamilton, Bruce (Faith), Wally (Penny Temple), Jacqui, Elizabeth (Phil Hillier) Tess (Al Spurrell), Chantelle (Andy Ploughman), 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren who all adored Poppy Burke will miss him greatly. Predeceased by his mom and dad, Elizabeth Bruce and Andrew Burke; brothers Cyril, Mick (Helen), Andy, Din (Liz); sisters Liz ( George) and Mollie; daughter-in-law Teeta, and Cory Dunn, his sweet grandson. Left with very fond memories are brother Ned, sister-in-law Lorraine and many friends, especially those in Stephenville. Jack's early years sent him to sea as a Merchant Mariner. He spoke little of those days until recently when he moved to the Veterans Pavilion in St. John's and was asked about his days at sea. He simply said "I near drowned so often, I guess I didn't want to think about it". In the years that followed he did whatever was necessary to provide for his family. He worked as a carpenter and a pipefitter at home and afar. (New Brunswick, Glace Bay, Jacksons Arm, Goose Bay). Wanting to be with his family he returned home to fish until he retired. He built the family home. He cut, hauled and sawed his own wood to build a home he filled with his gentle nature, kindness, song and welcome. The proof was the high return rate on weekends, Christmas and holidays from sons, daughters, cousins and many friends. And for those who couldn't return, they phoned him daily or wrote of their admiration in a letter. He faithfully recited "well the God love ya" for all his loved ones who walked through his door, always followed by a hug. He was very connected to his environment and had great respect for nature, which he instilled in his bird watching and studying, cat and dog loving children. He didn't take an active role in the garden, but he was very proud to sit on the deck and note who took pictures and commented on Mom's floral achievements. He loved a game of 120s or 45s. He spent many nights around kitchen tables with long time friends. There was always laughter mixed with a few drops of Rye. His true passion was his boat, which was sometimes known to get him in trouble. He was very knowledgeable when it came to weather, the wind, the currents, the tides. But, he didn't always heed the warnings, especially his wife's, who told him not to go out in the boat the day of his eldest sons wedding. If it was not for our wonderful Uncle Cyril who found him broke down in the bay he would have missed the entire wedding. He sang over the waves in his little boat, he caught giant fish and shared with everyone, especially his prized cat Dorg, who walked to the government wharf with him or followed him down the road to visit his sister Liz, who he loved dearly. He spent many of his later days spotting moose or eagles on Crawley's Island with his spyglass, reading the Telegram and completing the Jumble. In his calm gentle voice with few words he had the capacity to make you laugh. And make us laugh he did often! We would like to acknowledge, thank and be forever grateful to the staff at the Caribou Veteran's Pavilion. They treated Dad with all the kindness and respect he deserved. Jack considered Ford Temple from Chapel Arm not just his pharmacist, but a trusted friend who was nothing but kind to him over the years. Dr. Stephanie Squibb from the Newhook Community Health Centre in Whitbourne was Jack's heroine. There was a time when Jack had to be forced to go see the doctor. All of that changed when Dr. Stephanie Squibb became his doctor. A visit to Dr. Squibb was a highlight in his life. So it's not a sad day. This is a time to honour and celebrate a wonderful, kind and gentle man. They don't come any finer then Jack Burke. Visitations at Holloway's Funeral Home in Whitbourne, NL; Tuesday, April 8th at 1:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 9:30pm., Wednesday, April 9th at 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Visitation at St. Jerome's Church, Long Harbour, Wednesday evening 6 - 8 pm, April 9, 2014. Funeral service to be held at St. Jerome's Church, Long Harbour, Thursday, April 10th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers please donate in his name to the Alzheimer's Society . To leave a message of condolence or to sign the online guest book please visit www.hollowaysfuneralhome.ca

 

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