After a long and tenacious fight with Parkinson’s and Dementia, Burke passed away peacefully on May 5, 2020 in Victoria, BC.
Burke will be greatly missed by his loving wife Arlene and their sons; Brennan (Marie-Eve), Justin (Stephanie) and Devin (Amanda). He was a doting Grandpa Burke to Olivia, Sophie, Audie, Willa and Sully. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brothers and sisters; Lynda (Brian), Elaine (Ray), Mona (George), Phil (Barbara), Sean (Cindy); sister-in-law Sandra and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and wonderful friends.
Burke was predeceased by his parents Ernie and Mary Blanchfield, as well as his brother Dick.
A talented Research Assistant, Burke enjoyed a wonderful 37-year career in the Food and Drug Division of Health Canada in Ottawa. Affectionately nicknamed “Tigger” by his co-workers due to his energetic demeanour and general enthusiasm for life, his smile and laugh could light up any room. Naturally selfless and thoughtful of others, he was always more interested in your story than his own. Well-known for his love of the “beautiful game”, he used soccer to mentor countless youth in the values of sport and athleticism.
Recently, he and Arlene re-located to Victoria, to be closer to their family. Here, Burke received great care and compassion from the staff at the Kiwanis Pavilion, the Adult Day Program at Sunset Lodge, the Comfort Keepers of Victoria and Neuromotion Physiotherapy.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date in Ottawa. The family would also like to express their sincere thanks for all of the thoughtful phone calls, emails and cards during this difficult time. Those wishing may make donations in Memory of Burke to the Parkinson Society of Canada https://www.parkinson.ca/ or the Alzheimer Society of Canada https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/Get-involved/Ways-to-donate.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal”.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Comfort Keepers Victoria
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Theresa & Peter Lafleur (McGuire) Arlene, family and Blanchfield family,
So sorry to learn of Burke’s passing. I remember Burke when we were in lower school together. He was always so nice to me. Please know my heart and prayers are with you at this sad time in your lives.
Theresa Lafleur (McGuire)
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Marj. Nolan We were sorry to read in the Ottawa Citizen of Burke’s passing! Our sincere condolences to you, Arlene and all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerely, Terry and Marj. (McDiarmid) Nolan
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Marilyn & Terry Dwyer Our sincerest condolences to all Burke’s family and especially his siblings. My Mom, Marjorie Turner Smith was a first cousin of Burke’s mother Mary.
Burke will be welcomed by his parents & brother Dick. May he Rest In Peace
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Sandra (MacDonald) MacMillan Dear Arlene
I’m very saddened to hear of Burke’s death. My sympathy to you and your family.
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Wayne and Linda Irven Back in the 60’s at O.T.H.S., Burke was part of “The Purple Gang” which usually involved Pool on Friday nights, a trip to The Lighthouse or occasionally The Chaud on Saturday night and a Sunday afternoon tour. High school over, two went to E.I.O.T. and two into the trades. These were good times, followed by different good times as marriages, families, jobs and life drifted us apart. Sincere condolences to Arlene and family. Remember the good times. Rest in Peace, Burke.
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Lorene Bevan Averes My condolences to you Arlene and your family. Though I only met Burke a few times at Doug and Terrys
He seem to be a fun loving, good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult
time.
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Ray Townsend and family Arleen, Brennan and family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Burke. While we only met briefly, I appreciated how you, Arleen, and Burke hosted several of us at your home during a short weekend reprieve from University with Brennan. You were gracious hosts and reflected all of the great qualities that are so obvious to all of us that have spent time with your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
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Sharon and Tony Dean Dear Arlene and family Tony and I were saddened to hear of Burke.s passing.He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.Hope to see you in Ottawa
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Barb Carmichael Dear Arlene we were so sad to hear of Burke’s passing please accept our heartfelt condolences. He was a wonderful person that we had the privilege of knowing.
John and Barb Carmichael(Daley)
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Patricia Dewan To Arlene and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Burke. Always with a friendly hello and a smile when he would see Louie and I…mostly at celebrations!
Take good care!
Louis and Patricia Dewan
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Tony and Connie Loreti Dearest Arlene, We were very saddened to hear about Burke’s passing. We have fond memories of him. You were both such kind and gentle neighbours. Our deepest sympathies, Tony, Connie and family.
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Lorrain Daly Kelly Dear Arlene, I was so sad to learn about Burke’s passing.
My heart goes out to you and your loved ones. I remember Burke from that wonderful trip we all had to Cuba and he was such a fine man.
My most sincere condolences.
May he Rest In Peace
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Gail Burns and family Arlene and family, Burke will be missed by many, he was a very special man to all he knew. Burke to me was always so accepting of the people he met never judging and always had a good thing to say or pass on. You have so many great memories hang onto them I am sure they will last you till the end of time. Love to all xo
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Lola McEvoy Dear Arlene, words are so inadequate to convey my sincere and deepest sympathies to you and your family with the loss of Burke. He was a kind, gentle and fun loving man who I was honoured to call my cousin. He accepted his health reality with grace and dignity. I know you will miss him terribly but trust that you’ll be comforted by the promise that he is whole & well in his heavenly “Home” with his Lord and all his family and friends that have gone before him. Oh what rejoicing there will be.
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Brian Cano Arlene,
My deepest condolences to you and the family on Burke’s passing. You remain in our prayers.
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Colette Beenen Dear Arlene and family,
Please accept my sincere condoleances on the passing of Burke. May the loving memories that you have built together help you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Colette Aubin-Beenen
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Carol vahey Our best to you Arlene and your family. We we are thinking of you at this difficult time. Prayers to you from Carol and Dan Vahey
Osgoode Ontario
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Ray Gervais I remember Burke very fondly. As a member of St Augustine Parish I had many conversations with him.
A beautiful, gentle soul with an infectious smile. My deepest and sincerest condolences to the family, I truly share your pain and sorrow for your loss. Blessings from Ottawa.
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Brian and Frankie Baird To Arlene and family
Our deepest sympathy on Burks passingBrian&Frankie
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Lynn Cheney Sincere Condolences to Arlene and Family…
Burke will be missed and in everyone’s thoughts.
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Hanna & Egon Gimbel My Heart goes out to you Arleen.
You have bin a caring , beautiful Partner to Burke , I admired that so much . Burke had bin a Friend to all of us in the Sunset Lodge , we feel a great loss not seeing him again .
I wish I could come take you out for s Walk & have you a big hug ,
Sending you love & hope to see you soon
Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Blanchfield and the rest of the family. Although we only knew Mr. Blanchfield during his time in Victoria, he was clearly a gentleman of the highest caliber. It was an honour and a privilege to have worked with Mr. Blanchfield and he will be missed by all.
Sincerely,
Brecon Gage
On Behalf of Comfort Keepers of Victoria