AMHERST – Claude Joseph Burke, 82, of Amherst died Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted father and spent a lifetime caring for others. Born in Amherst, he was the son of the late Belonie and Virginia (LeBlanc) Bourque. He is survived by four children, Gerald (Susan Smith), Springhill, Michael (Michele), Timberlea, Colleen, Toronto, Janice Gardner (Stephen), Perth, Australia; a sister, Connie Barrett (Ed) of Dartmouth; and four grandchildren, Matthew, Travis, Mandy and Hayley. An infant son, Claude Joseph, as well as 12 siblings predeceased him. Claude was known for his generosity, kindness and consideration of others. Many acquaintances dubbed him "Saint Claude." Above all, he was a single parent who sacrificed much of his own life to ensuring his children had everything possible. In later years, he took great joy in his grandchildren. He loved his work as a machinist. He spent most of his working life at Enamel and Heating Ltd. He also enjoyed a good game of cribbage and keeping current on world events. When he retired, he took his first flight at age 75 and circled the globe visiting many countries He spent most of his later life researching family and Acadian genealogy and became a local expert in it. He will be very deeply and sadly missed. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Furlong-Jones Funeral Home, 70 Church St., Amherst (667-8777) where visitation will take place Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Prayers will be offered by Deacon Howard Gotell on Sunday evening at 8 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home Monday, June 30 from 9 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass which will be celebrated at 10 a.m., from Holy Family Parish Church, Father David MacDonald officiating. Burial will follow in the Saint Charles-Nativity Cemetery immediately following the service. www.furlongjones.ca