Verne Murray Burke

Verne Murray Burke of Chatham and formerly of Erieau passed away on Monday May 3, 2010 at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance with his family at his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Verne is the son of the late Glen and Vera (Maynard) Burke. He and his High School sweetheart Marcella Moor recently celebrated 53 years of marriage. Verne and Marcella are the loving parents of Michael & Jodie Burke of Blenheim, Cindilyn & Peter Baker of Chatham and Tammy Campbell of Burlington. They are also blessed with 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Verne is survived by his sister Shirley Pilon of South Hampton, his brothers Frank “Pete” & Blanche Burke of Blenheim and Larry & Margaret Rose Burke of Erieau and by his sister in law Wyn Burke of Toronto. He is predeceased by his brother Jack Burke and his brother in law Charles “Sonny” Pilon. Verne was a very proud loving family man. He was always ready to do anything to help his children and grandchildren. Verne’s family invite family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Verne will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday May 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Burk Cemetery. Verne was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Erieau and his wish was that in lieu of flowers, people wishing to remember him would make a memorial donation to St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Erieau or Sick Children’s Hospital in Toronto. Pallbearers are Doug Gardiner, Phillip Burke, Jordan Kehoe, Ryan King, Shaun Fuller, and Cathy Noble. Honourary Pallbearers are Larry Pope, Gerry Apfeld, Hartley Vidler, Dave Pilon and Walt Vidler. Granddaughters are flower bearers.