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.