DR. DAVID LIONEL BURKE

(December 28, 1937 – October 23, 2025) David Burke, age 87, of Portland, Ontario, passed away in Toronto, Ontario, with his family by his side. Born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, son of Lawrence and Caroline Burke, Dave grew up in many small communities scattered throughout Saskatchewan. His father died when he was four years old. His mother, a teacher, taught him and his older brother Larry in one-room schoolhouses across the province. When Dave was 15 years old he quit high school, moved out on his own, and joined the Boston Bruins farm team. After realizing the value of education, he studied mechanical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan and subsequently worked as an engineer in Montreal and at the Defence Research Board of Canada in Ottawa. Dave went on to study medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, followed by an internship and residency in orthopaedic surgery at The Montreal General Hospital. He also studied at the London Hospital and Imperial College London (UK) and completed a masters in experimental surgery at McGill University. He practised as an orthopaedic surgeon at MGH and McGill for over 30 years. In 2004, Dave retired to Big Rideau Lake, Ontario. He was a beloved husband of Susan, his wife of 57 years. He was also a very proud father to his daughters Andrea (Sean) and Christine (Michael). G'Pa was devoted to his wonderful grandchildren Maia, Madeleine, Luke and Calum. He adored Gus, his hunting dog and loyal companion. Dave was an avid reader. He loved being outdoors, working the lake property, boating, sailing, fishing, hunting, and skeet shooting. He always looked forward to his trips to Delta Marsh and Wolfe Island. He was an extremely skilled woodworker (aka the "Wood Doc"). He took great pride in his ability, through ingenuity and tenacity, to fix everything without having to hire anyone or spend a penny. Living at Big Rideau Lake, Susan's and Dave's shared happy place, brought him and his family great joy in his later years. Our lifetime of memories will hold us together forever. At Dave's request, no funeral will be held.