BURKE, RICHARD PERRY - At the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB on April 14, 2014, Mr. Richard Perry Burke, husband of Mrs. Donna (née Dick) Burke of L’Etang, NB. Born at Woodstock, NB on May 22, 1945, he was a son of the late Sheldon and Margaret (née McIssac) Burke. A loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, in addition to his wife Donna, he is survived by his son, Gregory (Panda) Burke of New Maryland, NB, grandson, James Burke also of New Maryland, NB, brother, Robert (Debbie) Burke of Halifax, NS, sister, Kelley (Stephen) Farley of Maynard, MA, brother-in-law, Ron (Micheline) Dick of L’Etete, NB, sister-in-law, Karen Burke of Centreville, NB, niece, Sarah Farley, nephews, Benjamin Dick, Jason (Natalie) Burke, Justin Burke (Bridget), Mitchell Burke (Angelica), Jacob Farley and by his great-nephews, Carter and Sawyer Burke. Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by one brother, Raymond Burke and by one brother-in-law, Sheldon Dick. Richard Burke began his teaching career in Lawrence Station and moved on to Eastern Charlotte Regional School and finished his teaching career at Fundy High. As a teacher, he was a friend and mentor to many students and gained the respect of both students and peers. He was instrumental in establishing both the building program at FHS as well as the Technology Centre. After retiring from teaching, he became a cabinet maker and then the Executive Director at the Academy of Learning in Saint John. He was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling with his family. Richard had a strong faith and was an Elder at the Church of Christ in L’Etete. He will be missed by all.
Resting at the L’Etete Church of Christ, L’Etete, NB from where the service will be held on Friday at 2:00 pm with Rev. Giles Mullen officiating. The interment will take place at the St. George Rural Cemetery at a later date. Visiting at the church will be held on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. In Richard’s memory, donations to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements in the care of the St. George Funeral Home & Crematorium (755-3533) 26 Portage Street, St. George, NB (www.stgeorgefh.ca)