Kenneth Patrick Burke
13th of October 1947 – 19th of February 2022.
With sadness Kenneth Patrick Burke, 74 of Mill Bay, BC. passed away suddenly after a stroke at Victoria General Hospital February 19th 2022. His wife Susan and his son Chris were with him.
Ken was born in Niagara Falls Ontario in 1947, where he graduated from high school and worked for Dominion foods. Eventually he moved on to train as a Shipwright for Port Weller Dry Docks. In early 2000 he moved to Vancouver Island attracted to the lifestyle and to marry his wife, Susan. An avid photographer the natural beauty of the British Columbia landscape and Vancouver Island in particular proved fertile ground for his creative approach to natural photography. He became a well-known figure around his home in Mill Bay accompanied by his dogs, his cameras and his love of talking to people friends and strangers. He was on a walk to photograph the early signs of spring the day before he passed away. Ken loved his dogs and of the 5 dogs that he and his wife adopted over their years together 4 were rescued or rehomed dogs in need of a loving home.
Ken will be missed by his son Chris spouse Susan, and his step granddaughters Rebecca and Anna Griesser.
Cremation will take place shortly and a celebration of life with close family at a later date.
Susan. This loss of your childhood sweetheart who later became your husband and companion is deep and profound. My heart hurts for you, and you know that I will always be there for you to do whatever I can to help you move stay strong and to move forward. We love you. You have deepest condolences from me, your loving sister, my son Rouli and his family, Irina, Lydia and Ava.
Dear Susan and family,
I just heard about Ken’s passing, I am deeply sorry and grateful when our paths crossed. I will remember his laughter, stories and the times he came to garden. He had a keen, artistic eye and it was fun to talk about art and photography. Many blessings and much love especially at this time. Please connect and we will have a visit when the time is right. Love and blessings, Catherine Fraser
I have posted some of Ken’s photos in an album on line for anyone who would like to see some of his work. It is a mere sampling of his work. It will take me some time to catalogue all his work and I hope to continue to make it available in art cards and framed photos. https://photos.app.goo.gl/gk2hjJWmLZaXiAmV7
Very sorry for your loss Susan. Will remember coffee times with Ken at Rusty’s. My condolences to you and all his family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Susan, Chris, Rebeca and Anna.May the loving memories of Kenny give you strength during this sad time. With love, cousin DonnaRae
Ken was a terrific neighbour, cheerful, considerate of our concerns, and always willing to help, regardless of the project. We will forever remember his kindness and good humour. Our condolences to his family.
My sincere condolences to you, Susan Chris, Rebecca, Anna and all his Family. A bright radiant light has gone out. From the first day Ken moved here to Mill Bay, to be with you Susan, and Terry and I helped unpack his belongings from the trailer, to the last day before he died, when Jean and I laughed and joked and had tea with you both, and he shared some of his beautiful photos, Ken was always there to joke and banter with, give advise and help out whenever there was a need. RIP Ken with your son Evan.
Susan and family our hearts and prayers are with you. Ken and I kept in touch by email and would see him when he came back to the Falls. Again our prayers are with you in this grieving time. Cousin Bill & Sandra
I didn’t know Ken very well…just the one time I was at your place but I found him very nice and I loved his spirit…so sorry he has passed…his work was wonderful!!
I am very sorry for your loss and for the whole family. I will always remember when he was at Dominion store and always so friendly and happy
My deepest sympathy to Susan,Chris Rebecca and Anna . Gone to soon. My heart goes out to you Susan and the family . Your sister Dianne
This is such a beautiful photo of my handsome uncle. I’m so sorry for your loss Chris and Susan and family. I picture him reuniting with Evan and how happy he would be to see him again. Sending love. He will be missed by all. Love Nicole, Shawn, Lauren and Ava
Dear Susan and Chris, and to Rebecca and Anna, We are so sorry for your loss of Ken. We hope that the support of family and close friends will help you to carry on. We know that Ken was loving and giving to everyone he met, and this memory may help to sustain you. Love, always, Gary and Carolyn
My deepest sympathy to Susan, Chris and family. Ken’s zest for life made him so special. May your memories be a comfort at this time