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Edward ("Dave") David Burke
October 15, 1930 - January 10, 2022
Tribute
We are saddened to share the passing of Dave Burke. Dave was born on Oct 15, 1930 in Toronto, the youngest of six children. He was pre-deceased by his wife Rita (nee Liepert). Left to mourn are son Richard, daughters Patti McCallum (Randy) and Sandi Roe (Dan McGuire), grandchildren Brett Roe, Kailee McCallum, Heather Coles and great grandchildren Emily and Daniel Hopps, as well as countless friends and relatives.
Dave grew up in and around Barrie, Ontario. In his youth, too young to join his brothers in World War II military service, he spent time as a Naval cadet. He left home at a young age to join the work force. He trained as a butcher with the Loblaw grocery chain, and before long he rose through the tanks to become a store manager.
He met and fell in love with Rita, and they were married in 1949. Dave’s career in the grocery business saw them move steadily west. North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay and finally Winnipeg. Growing wearing of relocations, Mom and Dad set out to find a business, which led them to the Bel-Aire Motel in Morris, MB, soon to become Burke’s Motel & Diner. Over the course of ten years and much hard work, they created a Morris institution, which still carries the Burke name. This done while raising three children and giving back to the community. Dave was a member of the local Lions club and served a term as mayor.
The hotel was sold in the mid-seventies, but Dave, ever the business man, started a successful real estate and insurance office. This continued until the early eighties when he and Rita followed their two daughters to Calgary. It was in Alberta that Dave once again displayed his business acumen as a gas station/car wash manager, first with Turbo, then Gulf, which then became Petro-Canada until his retirement.
While in Alberta, the family bought a cottage property outside of Invermere, BC. In retirement, Dave was the consummate putterer, happily whiling away the hours tending the yard, riding his garden tractor, watering, splitting logs and enjoying the mountains and the lake.
Dave was charismatic and charming; people were easily drawn to his good humour and sense of fun. To him the good things in life were time with friends and family, good food and a few of his favourite libations.
Dave and Rita spent their later years at Columbia Garden Village, and in November, Dave moved to Columbia House. The family wishes to thank Dr. Walsh, and the many other doctors and nurses who cared for Dave over the years. A special thanks to the staff of Columbia House Village & Columbia House for their exemplary care and concern.
As per Dad’s wishes, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favourite animal charity.
Condolences
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From: Mark Memorial Funeral Services
Mark Memorial Funeral Services Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Donna Burke
Relation: Former daughter-in-law
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family in this time of loss. I’ll always remember Dave & Rita as the best parents-in-law that a person could ever hope to have. It’s comforting to know that they are together again. Sending my love and wishes for comfort to the family.
From: Jeff Phillips
Relation: Friend and boss 30 yrs ago
MY condolences to all the family and friends of Dave Burke. I haven’t talked to Dave for a couple years and all of a sudden I felt the earge to call and say hi today, but sadly learned of his passing a few weeks ago. Dave was a very important part of my life as a 18 yr old kid. I met Dave when he took over the gas station I worked at. I think I was the only staff he kept. Dave taught me so much about life and business and was responsible for where I am today. He was responsible for getting me my first gas station which grew to 5. I have since owned many small business over the last 32 years and tribute it all to this very kind boss and life long friend. He always had a joke for me. An easy way to describe Dave was how he was very much ” a cup half full guy”. The positive attitude was very addictive and spread around the room easy. He had many staff that hold him in their hearts. I remember visiting him in the retirement home a few years ago and Dave was in a wheelchair. He made me laugh so hard telling me how him and his friend would drive the nurses crazy having wheelchair raises down the hall. Typical of Dave. I am sure there was a comment about the cute nurses too. Dave you are already missed. Thank you for all the smiles you created for many people!
Rest in peace friend.
Jeff Phillips
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
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