Robert Burke

Robert "Bobby," Burke A native of Sonoma County, was called home on June 10, 2010 at the age of 63. Born Robert Louis Burke on February 10, 1947 in Santa Rosa to the late Robert Patrick Burke and the late Mary Louise (Lacabanne) Burke. Bob was the eldest of three children and was preceded in death by a younger sister, Janis Marie Burke. He is survived by his youngest and adoring sister, Linda Louise Burke (Claude "Ted" Schroeder) as well as numerous and much-loved aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob attended St John the Baptist Catholic School in Healdsburg, Analy High School and Santa Rosa high School from which he graduated. He also attended Santa Rosa Junior College. Bobby co-owned, with his sister Linda, Burke's Canoe Trips in Forestville, a four-acre river resort founded by his parents in the late 1940's. This year, the Burke Family is looking forward to celebrating 60 years of service on the Russian River. Bob and Linda worked closely together in the family business, and Bob played a vital and active role in the ownership and operation of Burke's Canoe Trips. He derived enormous satisfaction in seeing so many people enjoy the beautiful Russian River, a river he so dearly loved. Linda will continue bringing this joy to others in future years. Described by close friend, Barbara Gonnella, as an "exquisite humanitarian," Bob found his greatest joy and satisfaction through his foundation: "Bob Burke's Kids' Program," a non-profit service for children with cancer or life threatening illnesses and challenges. Bob Burke's Kids' was launched in 1974 with a Russian River style fishing party for 18 children. That evening, over the years, developed into a program which provides year-round fun activities for all Bob's "Kids" and their families with dinners and entertainment every Wednesday evening during the summer months, and monthly seasonal parties at the Union Hotel in Occidental during the fall and winter months. Along with the dinners, other activities such as a bowling night, river canoeing and fishing trips provided the fun times that Bobby knew helped to lighten the burdens and responsibilities that these families were experiencing. Bob's deep devotion to his Catholic faith was always present at every function, with traditional Mass and Communion presided over by the priests who had become his life-long friends. Bob's involvement and volunteerism was never limited to just his own community. He was an early advocate and supporter of the Hospice movement in the 1970's, Sonoma County children's Cancer Foundation, the heart of America Bone Marrow Project, and many other charitable organizations and foundations. Always a humble man, Bob never sought publicity or accolades; yet on June 30, 2010, Bob Burke is to be honored by the Disability Services and Legal Center as the 2010 recipient of the "Independent Living Legacy Award" for over 30 years of providing his "Kids" the opportunity "to be children, to have a blast, to smile, to laugh, and to enjoy life." Family and friends are invited to attend an evening Vigil Rosary Service on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 7:00 PM at St. Rose Catholic Church, 398 Tenth St., Santa Rosa, CA 95401. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 10:00 AM at St. Rose Catholic Church. On Monday, June 21, 2010, there will be a visitation held from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa. In lieu of flowers, his sister Linda encourages contributions be made to Bob Burke's Kids' Program - WCCS, P.O. Box 602, Forestville, CA 95436. Linda will lovingly carry on Bob's devotion to his "Kids" and his foundation to honor her beloved brother.