Obituary of Donald Arthur Burke

Burke, Donald Arthur “L’il Papa”. With profound sadness, our family announces the passing of Don Burke, 89 on Friday, November 27, 2009. Don was born in Dover Township to Benjamin & Margaret ( McCurdy) Burke. He lived in Windsor, Dover Township and Chatham, which he called home for the past 40 years. Don married his true love, Rita (King) in 1941 and together they enjoyed 68 wonderful years together. Don is the dear father of Diane (Fred) De Meyer, Barry (Shirley) Burke, Joyce (Gordon) Wood and Roy (Sharon) Burke. Don took great joy in spending time with his family; he was especially fond of his grandchildren and he will be missed dearly by Francine ( Peter), Julie, Janet (George), Jason (Vilma), Jodi (Ken), Stacey (Christine), Stephanie (Jamie), Hayley (Damien), Courtney (Drew), Jo-Ellen (Chris), Scott (Victoria), Shannon ( Lori-Lynn) and his 11 great-grandchildren, 2 step-great grandchildren, 3 more on the way and 1 great-great grandchild. Don is survived by his brother Richard and sister-in-law Arlene Burke. He is predeceased by his brother Carson Burke, sister’s Lyla Conroy, Mabel Lusk and grandson-in-law Peter Dernick. Don owned and operated L’il Papas Rentals for 30 years. Together Don & Rita enjoyed travelling the world. Their favourite places to visit were where their grandchildren and great grand children resided. Family to receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 7 p.m..Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ursula’s Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday December 1, 2009 at 10 a.m.. Interment to follow at St. Anthony Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the CNIB or the Peter F. Krailo Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, Ontario (519) 351- 2040.