In Memoriam

One year ago my dad died – and everyone whose life he touched misses him.

 

Miss Me, But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

 And the sun has set for me,

 I want no rites in a gloom filled room

 Why cry for a soul set free!

Miss me a little, but not for long,

 And not with your head bowed low.

 Remember the love we once shared,

Miss me, but let me go!

 

For this a journey we all must take,

 And each must go alone;

 It’s all a part of the master’s plan

 A step on the road to home.

 When you are lonely and sick of heart

 Go to the friends we know,

 And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,

Miss me, but let me go.

 – Anonymous

 

Obituary

Harry “Hank” Burke

Age 66, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, died Tuesday, January 10, 2012. He is survived by his son Nick Burke, daughter Josephina Montoya and son-in-law Shane Montoya, all of Albuquerque, NM; his sister Barbara Franklin of Albuquerque NM; his brother Dan Burke of Phoenix AZ; as well as nieces, nephews and many close friends.

Mr. Burke was preceded in death by his father Dale Burke and mother Martha Burke. Hank was born in Coffeville, Kansas. He was a graduate of Regina Coeli Catholic School, Saint Pius X High School, and Eastern New Mexico University.

Hank proudly served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard and was a Vietnam Veteran.

He started his career as an elementary school teacher and later became an engineer for Motorola. He retired in 2002 to take care of his father.

Hank was a loving father and sibling as well as a dedicated and loyal friend. He traveled the world thoroughly, visiting six continents.

Among other things Hank was a skilled poker player, avid reader, passionate Dallas Cowboys fan, talented story teller and consummate practical joker.

There will be a Rosary recited Thursday January 19, 2012 at 6:00 pm and a memorial will be given on Friday, January 20, at 11:00 am with a reception to follow. All services will be held at the French Mortuary on 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity of which Hank was a dedicated supporter. Please go to http://www.habitatABQ.org.

I believe I was in college…. I think this was a special Habitat for Humanity build.

At my wedding – October 3, 2009

Dad, Nick and Me on our porch in Jemez

Hank Burke – Coast Guard

 

New York – 1969

My Dad had an amazing life! He visited six continents – the only one he didn’t get to see was Europe!  Weird right? I mean he even went to Antarctica – but he never went to Europe? I have even been to Europe! But he said he never had a desire to go there.  He said if he could go on a free trip he would go back to the Middle East or Africa.

He had a lot of amazing stories and as I have now discovered a lot of incredible pictures! I found these pictures of New York amongst some other treasures. I know that his high school girlfriend was a flight attendant for a brief period of time with Pan Am (yes like the show for us younger kiddos) and she had to go to New York for her job.

Well, she took these pictures and sent them to my dad. Who ended up driving from Albuquerque to New York (I believe in his VW van) to pick her up when she decided the aviation industry was not for her.  Great guy? I say yes!

I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do!

And thank you Betz for taking them!

Empire State Building – 1969

Broadway – 1969

Pan Am Building

Statue of Liberty – circled 🙂

Happy Birthday Dad!

It’s been just over three months since my dad passed away. Today is his birthday. Yesterday was my birthday and my brother birthday was Monday.

Yup we were born April 16, 18 and 19. And my Papa’s (grandpa) birthday is April 23^rd.

So in honor of my dad, below are some pictures of him and his amazing life! I also included his obituary so you can understand the kind of person he was.

Age 66, a long time resident of Albuquerque, died Tuesday, January 10, 2012. He is survived by his son Nick Burke, daughter Josephina Montoya and son-in-law Shane Montoya, all of Albuquerque, NM; his sister Barbara Franklin of Albuquerque NM; his brother Dan Burke of Phoenix AZ; as well as nieces, nephews and many close friends. Mr. Burke was preceded in death by his father Dale Burke and mother Martha Burke. Hank was born in Coffeville, Kansas. He was a graduate of Regina Coeli Catholic School, Saint Pius X High School, and Eastern New Mexico University. Hank proudly served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard and was a Vietnam Veteran. He started his career as an elementary school teacher and later became an engineer for Motorola. He retired in 2002 to take care of his father. Hank was a loving father and sibling as well as a dedicated and loyal friend. He traveled the world thoroughly, visiting six continents. Among other things Hank was a skilled poker player, avid reader, passionate Dallas Cowboys fan, talented story teller and consummate practical joker. There will be a Rosary recited Thursday January 19, 2012 at 6:00 pm and a memorial will be given on Friday, January 20, at 11:00 am with a reception to follow. All services will be held at the French Mortuary on 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.

Hank Burke - Coast Guard

The Burkes

1976

Dad, Nick and Me on our porch in Jemez

Dad, Nick, Me at Disneyland

At Wailing Wall Jerusalem- 2000

Winning Big at Sandia Casino