Kerry Edmund Bourke

BOURKE, Kerry Edmund 86 of Halifax died on 20 February 2024 at Parkstone Enhanced Care. Kerry was the third of four children of Robert G. and Charlotte A. Bourke of Dublin, Ireland. He was born in Montréal and received his early education there. The family later lived in Antigonish and Windsor NS. He attended King’s College School at the latter, serving as Head Boy and Cadet C.O. of #254 Cadet Corps in his final year there. He graduated from Dalhousie and served in the Canadian Officer’s Training Corps, becoming an Officer in the R.C.A. Chaplain Corps.

Kerry graduated from the University of King's College where he was Senior Student in 1959, and was ordained to the priesthood in1961. ln 1960 he married Natalie L. Baker of Saint John, NB and together they served in the Anglican parishes of Blandford, Chester, New Glasgow, All Saints Cathedral, St John’s Fairview and again in Chester, whence he retired.

While in Halifax he was appointed the Bishop's Examining Chaplain in Liturgics (1983-92), the first Anglican Formation Director at the Atlantic School of Theology and the Diocesan Director for Anglicans ln Mission (AIM). ln addition to a fulfilling and authentic career as an Anglican priest, after 8 years of retirement Kerry became a convinced atheist and remained such for the rest of his life.

Kerry was predeceased by his parents and his wife Natalie. He is survived by children Kevin (Pam Sanford), Stephen, Sarah (Ronnie) Holesworth and Andrew (Carolyn), grandchildren Tierney Hayward, Kristen Jain, Connor, Charlotte, Declan and Kieran Bourke and great-grandchildren Ria and Aiden Jain.

Kerry is also survived by brothers Brian of Burnaby BC, Desmond of Calgary AB and younger sister Moira of Ottawa ON.

In accordance with Kerry’s wishes, there will be no formal ceremony. Cremation has taken place and he will be interred beside his parents in Bayswater at a later date. Donations may be made to Médecins Sans Frontiers (www.doctorswithoutborders.ca), or a charity of your choice.

The family’s deepest thanks to the staff at Shannex Parkstone for their professional, warm and caring support provided to Kerry in his final years.