John Burke

Heaven threw a little party on Dec 17 to celebrate the reunion of our Dad and Mum. Our parents emigrated to Canada in 1955, shortly after marrying, as our father yearned to pursue a career in a country where your talent and hard work, not what school you had attended, would determine what you could attain.

Always an overachiever, Dad retired as Senior Patent Agent Partner at one of the largest private patent agencies in the world. Although he loved fine wine, food, opera, ballet and such, John never forgot his humble Irish roots. He was unpretentious and genuinely humble and always put other people ahead of himself. Every person who was fortunate enough to meet our Dad came away a little richer for having known him.

Dad was first and foremost a family man. He adored his family and worked ceaselessly to provide for them.

Mum’s death in 2006 tore his world apart, but over time he was able to mostly mend and dwell on the marvelous journey that they had shared.

Dad’s cancer came as a huge blow to us, but as usual Dad was indomitable and greatly outlived his prognosis. He died as he lived, with grace and dignity, surrounded by his loving family.

The fact that Dad died peacefully was due in no small part to the ceaseless attention of the wonderful staff and volunteers at May Court Hospice. Our family cannot express the gratitude we feel and the debt we owe to you all. As usual, Dad charmed the heck out of them and made them break the cardinal rule of not getting too attached to a patient.

Our Dad is gone but not forgotten and his legacy will live on through his family. Although tragically predeceased by his cherished wife, Helen and adored daughter Ann(Paul), he is survived by his dear sister in England, Betty(Alan), and his adored children Clare(Jim) and Sean(Joelle). Dad’s precious grandchildren Shannon, Kerry, Liam and Lauren, kept him young and up to date with the changing world. He was thrilled to have 7 treasured great-grandchildren, Jenna, Taylor, Bradley, Logan, Cody, Bryce and Ella. Less than two days before his passing he was blessed with a great-great granddaughter, Hildegard. He will be fondly remembered by his sisters and brothers-in-law, as well as his nieces and nephews in England and Scotland and by his many cousins in his native Cork, Ireland.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Monday, December 23, 2024 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, ON. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 11:00 am. John's funeral may also be viewed live or for replay at https://fweb.tv/162175

Burial to follow at Hope Cemetery 4660 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON.

In lieu of flowers, Dad would beseech you to send donations to May Court Hospice.

Ar dheist Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Erin go bragh! Up the Rebels!

We love you so much.