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WILLY BURKI
UPCOMING SERVICE
WILLY BURKI Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of RCMP Staff Sergeant (retired), Willy Burki. He was at last post on August 19th, 2025 and passed away peacefully at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family.
He was a pillar of his family, a gentle teacher, and a man who found joy in the simple, beautiful moments of the natural world.
Born in Bern, Switzerland, to Dora and Wilhelm Burki, Willy built a life around his deepest values: love, patience, and the importance of passing knowledge to the next generation. While he had a long and distinguished career as an RCMP Staff Sergeant, his true legacy lies in the memories he created with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Willy was the quintessential grandfather, finding his greatest happiness in the company of his grandchildren. He taught them not just how to fish, but how to sit quietly and wait for the perfect moment. His fishing stories, always with a lesson attached, are treasured tales that will be passed down for years to come.
Willy also had a passion for monarch butterflies. He would spend time with his grandchildren in his garden, showing them how to find a caterpillar, watch the incredible transformation, and finally, release the delicate monarch. He taught them about the cycles of life and the importance of protecting the small, wondrous creatures of the world. Through these simple acts, he showed them that love and patience can bring about the most beautiful transformations.
Willy was a well-travelled man; he and his wife Eva-Liisa were able to travel to all 10 provinces and all 3 territories in his life, and even travelled to his birthplace, Bern, Switzerland and got to experience his childhood home again.
Willy is survived by his wife of 37 years Eva-Liisa, His children Brad & Kim, Tobi & Irv, Todd & Tracey, Jen & David, His grandchildren Amanda & Kyle, Corbin & Boey, Codey & Tielle, Cashton, Colton, Bailey, Jayson and Cassidy & Tyler and his great grandchildren, Jett, Elle, Koah, and Kaden, brothers Hans & Lynne, and Heinz & Jane, and nieces Laura, Tania and nephew David, and last but not least, his beloved dog Charlie.
Willy is predeceased by his first wife, Grace and his parents, Dora and Wilhelm Burki
There will be a celebration of life held in Willy's honour on September 28th, starting at 1 pm at Current River Community Centre (450 Dewe Ave., Thunder Bay). We welcome everyone with open arms to celebrate Willy and his legacy among family and friends.
Donations can be made to the St. Joseph's Foundation or Northern Cancer Fund in Willy's name.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for WILLY BURKI
Memories and Condolences
for WILLY BURKI
2 Entries
Inspector Vincent and Nancy Boutilier, Retired
Yesterday
We were friends and colleagues of Willy in Thompson, Manitoba, so many years ago. Vince was the RCMP pilot there and I taught school. Willy and Grace loved to go fishing with us - Willy and Vince actually traded boats, for keeps. The four of us enjoyed many meals together and had lots of laughs. Brad and Tobi were such great looking kids- suitable for modelling, and polite as well. Larry Dicks called several weeks ago to tell us that things were not going well. Vince was able to reach him by phone and shared a few memories. My heart aches for EV and
all the family.
Jesse Dunahee
Yesterday
I worked with Willie at the Bowater mill He was always happy and a Gentleman He would go out of his way to help anyone anytime we heard stories of his days in the RCMP Now that was a true Officer that really Cared he will be missed by all who had a chance to have known him
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