Arthur William Laughlin Burke, 86 of Halifax passed away peacefully at the Q.E. II Hospital after a long-term illness. Born at Grand Bank, Nfld. May 25, 1925, he was the son of Dr. John Burke C.B.E. and Gwendolyn (nee Laughlin) Burke, Grand Bank. He was predeceased by his loving wife Hilda Mary (nee Mitchell), an infant brother Rupert and a sister Helen McDade (Bruce). Surviving are his daughters Lois Burke Fowlie (Dr. Frank) Moncton, N.B., Helen Yeadon (Alan) Halifax, Michele Burke, St. John’s Nfld. and Lise Davison (Mike) Lr. Sackville; along with 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Following a pre-med program at Memorial University, Newfoundland, he pursued a science degree at Acadia University, Wolfville, N.S. He worked for The Halifax Chronicle Herald and Mail Star newspapers for over thirty years in a supervisory position and in later years as a writer. He also helped pioneer Newspaper in the Classroom, a co-operative effort between the newspaper and the school system, aimed at encouraging students to read about local and world events. He retired in May, 1989. Arthur loved music and played the piano, accordion, and violin. For many years, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, family and friends at the family cottage at Molega Lake, N.S. He attended Edgewood United Church and Faith Tabernacle in Halifax. A kind and gentle man, Arthur was well-loved by his family and will be sadly missed by all. Special thanks to the staff of Sunshine Personal Home Care who took excellent care of Arthur during his years of illness. Thanks also for the professional care of both doctors and nurses at the Q.E. II.
Private funeral service to be held at Atlantic Funeral Home, Lr. Sackville, with immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, Nova Scotia. Online condolences at www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com.
Internment to follow later.