Paul BURKE

BURKE, Paul Nov 17, 2025 Long-time Spokane resident, Paul Burke, passed away at home on Monday, November 17, 2025, after a long illness. He was 74. His wife was at his side. Paul was born on June 18, 1951, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, and grew up on Long Island. He graduated from the State University of New York in 1971 with a degree in Police Science. Upon his graduation, he moved to California and joined the California Highway Patrol at the age of 22. While serving in that capacity in Los Angeles, he met Catherine, and after a three-month courtship, they were married in October 1975 and raised two children. After serving in several different patrol offices throughout the State, Paul was honorably retired in 1986, after being wounded in the line of duty, for which he was inducted into the American Police Hall of Fame, Legion of Valor, and was awarded the Law Enforcement Purple Heart. He and his family moved to Spokane in 1987, where he attended Eastern Washington University, obtaining degrees in English and History. Paul loved camping, backpacking, genealogy, and riding his bike. He also loved feeding the neighborhood birds and squirrels. He lovingly raised several orphaned baby robins and squirrels and tamed many other squirrels, feeding them peanuts while they sat on his knee. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 50 years, Catherine; daughter, Nicole (Mike); son, Neil; and three grandchildren, Phillip (Christina), Aslyn, and Trevor (Maddie). He is also survived by siblings, John, Bob, Tom, and Rose. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Charlotte; and beloved brother, Mike. At Paul's request, there will be no service. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Spokane for their unwavering support and compassionate care, which allowed Paul to remain at home throughout his illness.