89, Main-a-Dieu

It is with heavy hearts and deep regret that we announce

the passing of John David ‘Johnny’ Burke

of Main-a-Dieu at Taigh Na Mara Veteran’s

Home, Glace Bay Saturday, February 28th, 2009

where he has resided since November 2006.

Born in Main-a-Dieu, Johnny was the son of the

late John David and Annie (Mountain) Burke.

Johnny was the last surviving member of his immediate

family.

Johnny enlisted in the army at a young age and

served overseas with the Cape Breton Highlanders

during the Second World War. When he returned

home, he began fishing and married his

sweetheart the late Barbara Burke of Little Lorraine

who passed away in 2007 after 60 years of

marriage.

Together they raised seven children, daughters,

Marilyn (Gerry) Goyetche, Margie (Arthur)

Kennedy, Debbie (Harvey) Sharpe, all of Maina-

Dieu and Penny (Mike) Hemmings of Sydney;

sons, Fr. Bill ‘Billy’ Burke, Ottawa, Kenzie

(Charlene) Calgary, Joe (Debbie) Louisbourg

and special son Howard (Valerie) Oehman of

Halifax; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Johnny is also survived by many nieces

and nephews, who enjoyed his great sense of

humour.

Besides his parents and wife, Johnny was predeceased

by sisters, Margaret, Mary and Catherine;

brothers, Joe and Basil.