Obituary of Michael Joseph Burke

Our hearts are shattered to share the sudden passing of the man, the myth, the legend - Mayor Mike Burke, on November 3rd. Best known as Dad, Appy, Mike and Big Mike, he will truly never be forgotten, just how he would like it. Dad exited this world in true dad fashion, quick, abrupt, and painless after developing a fatal pulmonary embolism. As an avid obituary reader, I hope you are reading this on a sandy beach with Nanny Burke with a drink in your hand and your reading glasses on the top of your head. 

Dad was a man like no other, hilarious, loud, outgoing and the biggest personality in the room. He was the only person who could quickly fill a room with laughter and clear the same room with a loud, deep voice and a stern look. He was the best of friend to Wayne and Ronnie. He worked for Don Brenton’s for 40 years as an annoyingly “hard worker” - although we all know he just drove around all day - (thank you to the ENTIRE Brenton family/coworkers). A true father figure to his nephews Matt, Mike and Mark. He was an uncle/cousin/nephew/ , a loyal brother to Theresa, Christine and Francis, entertaining travel companion to Sandy and Malcolm, and a hands-on son in law to Sandra and Jack for 39 years. Dad touched the lives of so many people between delivering newspapers as a young kid, pumping gas at the PetroCan, playing sports, volunteering at the Beaverbank fire department, coaching his children’s sports teams, and waving to every Tom, Dic, and Harry while driving (instead of watching the road). 

Dad’s most important roles in his life were in-house. He will be greatly missed by his person, his soul mate, his better half Kelly (don’t fight me on it !). Truly a love like no other, together since they were teens they experienced all that life had to offer, travelling the globe and making the most of their time together. Dad spent his last full day with Mom, seeing all their kids and grandkids before enjoying the spa together. Another great love were his kids, Brittany (Kurt) and Danny (Allyson). He did anything and everything he could to make our lives better/easier/happier. From mowing lawns, washing windows, secretly paying for parking spots and picking us up from parties (well into our 30’s) he did everything to take care of us. His absolute favourite title was “Appy”. He was the absolute best grandfather to Bryn, Shay, Bennett and Charlotte. He never missed a minute; a sport, an event, or a hang out. He annoyingly catered to their every want and desire despite what anyone else said. He was Bryn’s biggest cheerleader and protector and shared countless laughs with Shay while being her largest fan. Dad was Bennetts #1 super hero and will forever be his golf buddy, while Charlotte kept him hopping with her “look “, sweet curls and glasses. Lastly, he is already so missed by his greatest copilot, Tella - his beloved grandpuppy. Tella is continuously looking for him every time the door opens or a car drives by. She has taken it upon herself to sleep in his spot and keep mom company. 

We will miss your loud opinions, your daily Facebook pictures of the province at 5am, your hugs, your laugh, your “ lowers “ and your “ look “. We are shattered, heartbroken, and just downright sad (and really mad) that you left us so soon. You will be talked about daily (good and bad of course). You will be with us for every drive, every road rocket, everything Christmas related (especially the music starting in November and the tree extravaganza .. how’s Kurt getting our tree upright now ?), every summer boat ride, every trip and cruise, every sporting event, and every Sunday dinner. 

Thank you above and beyond to the firefighters, the medics, staff at Cobequid, life flight staff and 5.2 ICU staff for the unbelievable care you provided him and us. Your efforts to save his life and help us through the day will never be forgotten.

Please join us to say goodbye, November 22nd at the Springfield Lake Rec Center from 6-9pm as a drop in. We will have his favourite foods (PB and mustard available upon request), all the Christmas music and many flavours of ColdStreams. Wear whatever your heart desires but know that we will be donned in the brightest shirts and sneakers we can find. 

Thank you for being you. Thank you for setting the bar so high as a husband, father, and grandfather. Thank you for your love, your hugs, your shoulder, your support, and the laughter. I hope I passed your obituary expectation - it’s a lot of pressure! Don’t worry about Mom, we got her. 

Goodbye daddy, I love you all the way to ……