We are devastated to announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, and dear friend, Robert Wayne Burke of Doctors Brook on May 15, 2025. Wayne survived 10 years of cancer’s grasp, he ended his fight, in his beloved home, surrounded by those he loved.
Wayne was born in Amherst on June 26th, 1953, to Frank and Helen (Misken) Burke. He grew up as the second oldest of six rambunctious boys (son #2 of Frank’s dirty half dozen). He spent his childhood between Amherst and Montreal and made many special memories at the family cottage in Jacksons Point.
Wayne’s first love surprisingly wasn’t Catherine, but a little sailboat called the Chicken of the Sea. He spent many happy hours sailing the waters of Jacksons Point and getting into more than a little mischief along the way.
A strike of good fortune at an old university classmates dorm led to the next greatest chapter of Wayne’s life. While waiting for an elevator, he laid eyes on the woman who would become his partner in life for 49 years. Wayne and Catherine were married May 8th 1976 and created a beautiful life beginning in a small apartment in Halifax. Shortly after Adam made them a family of three, they moved to Antigonish for a 6 month position at Scotia Bank as Loans Officer. That 6 months turned into forever as they settled in Antigonish permanently and completed their family with their daughter Abby.
He wore many hats over the years, Loans Officer, Assistant Bank Manager, Car Salesperson, and then Credit Manager at Central Supplies where he finished out his official work life. He made many connections over the years with people all over Antigonish and Guysborough counties. He provided advice and support for numerous people that helped build businesses, improve futures, and encourage the growth of the local area. He enjoyed the intricacies of the financial world in which he worked and took pride in the role he played within that world. The last job he took on after retirement was that of a lobster boat deck hand, fishing with the young guys (and keeping up just fine, thank you very much). Wayne o Mosquito was always up to a challenge.
The hat he loved most though, was as a father and grandfather. Family ski trips, sailing the Bras D’Or’s and elsewhere on the Acajou, and camping trips were what made Wayne most happy. Their cottage is a place that has seen many bonfires, lobster weekends, horseshoes and washer tosses, BBQ’s and parties that have created memories for so many that will be cherished forever more. The addition of the screen room created a space that blocked the wind nicely for the annual Christmas Eve BBQ, finally we could sing carols and cook without freezing and the BBQ blowing out.
He took great pride in keeping the property well-manicured, especially the Wayne Burke Provincial Picnic Park of Doctors Brook. He loved watching his grandchildren play on the front lawn that was kept meticulously free of rocks thrown by winter storms. Flower beds and vegetable gardens, play sets and walkways made a space he was happy to share with family and friends.
Sailing trips to PEI, the Magdelin Islands, in the Bras D’Or’s, around Arisaig and the Strait of Canso allowed him to witness many sunrises and sunsets and a few rough seas along the way. His longest sailing trip was to Puerto Rico and made him many exciting memories while passing Norfolk and staying out at sea for 12 days. The water was his happy place.
He enjoyed many long trips with his motorcycle both with Catherine and his large group of friends, many of whom later became trail mates on buggy rides through hill and dale and a lot of mud. Wayne was fond of a good conversation with anyone and everyone he met (grocery store trips were not such a quick venture) there was always a tale to tell. In the quiet times, he loved a good glass of wine while sitting on the deck with Catherine, watching the sun set over Northumberland Strait.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 49 years, Catherine (Boyce); son, Adam and favourite daughter-in-law, Tania, Antigonish; daughter, Abby Oliver and favourite son-in-law, Brett, Charlottetown; grandchildren, Shannyn, Hayden, and Lauryn, Antigonish; brothers, Michael (Debbie), Tremont; Stephen (Vicki), Margaretsville; Paul (Vera), Florida; Kenny, Alabama; and David (Iris), Chester Basin; several nieces and nephews and many family and friends.
He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Helen (Misken) Burke.
His family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to Dr. John Chaisson, the St. Martha’s Palliative Care team, and his entire oncology team that were beside him for every step of this journey and made his final wish become reality. His community of friends provided so much comfort and support over the years. It will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 11:00am in St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Arisaig, with Reverend Rowland Uzoma Agomuo presiding.
The funeral will be recorded and available on the funeral home website shortly after the conclusion of the Mass.
Donations in memory of Wayne may be made to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care Unit), The Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com
