James W Burke

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, James William Burke, May 9, 2017. Born November 29, 1925 in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, he was the son of Paul and Evaline Burke. He was the last surviving member of his family. Jim was a Merchant Navy Seaman and his first voyage at age seventeen was aboard the Lord Strathcone. He served on many Canadian cargo steamers. Following the strike of the Canadian Seaman’s Union, Jim followed a different path and began an apprenticeship program as a plumber and received his certification as a Master Journeyman Plumber. Jim was elected as Business Manager of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 56. Lastly, Jim was appointed apprenticeship counselor with the Department of Labour and retired in 1990. Jim was involved with Waverley Toastmasters, Building Trades and very active as a lay reader at St. Rose of Lima, Fall River, Saint Ignatius, Bedford, and Minister of the Eucharist. Predeceased by his wife Joyce (McGuigan); son Bernard; parents Evaline and Paul; brothers Leonard, Charlie and William. Survived by his soulmate Helen Morgan, Hammonds Plains; daughters Dianne (Wayne) Decker, Waverley and Kathaleen (Gene) Loyer, Carleton Place; sons Jim, Kevin, Halifax and Vernon, Ottawa; grandchildren Mark, Alissa, Juliann, Marcie and Kaylene. We, the Burke family extend heartfelt thanks to Helen Morgan, for all her loving care and concern for our father before and during his journey with dementia. Helen you were a great help to us through this journey. Funeral mass to be held Monday May 15, 2017 at 2:00pm at St Ignatius Catholic Church, Bedford. Family flowers only please. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Dad, you are on your last voyage, we will miss you, rest in peace.