For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar 

BURKE, Patrick James - age 85, September 19, 2014. After a courageous battle with cancer, Pat died peacefully in Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Building, QEII. Son of Florence Mitchel, he is survived by his children, Marlene (Michael) Lahey, Dartmouth; Coleen Branscombe, Halifax; Derryl, Montreal; Kevin (Rhonda), Dartmouth; grandchildren, Kyle, Natalie, Erin and James; nephew, Gary Boyd; several nieces and ne­phews. Pat was predeceased by his loving wife, Monica (Langille) of 56 years; their infant son, Michael; brother, Gerald; sisters, Eileen and Shirley. Pat and Monica lived in several parts of Canada including Ottawa, Halifax, Dartmouth and Lake Charlotte. Pat proudly served in the Navy from 1948-1953, and for his country with active duty in the Korean War 1951-1953. He served on the HMCS Naden, Ontario, Bonaventure, Shearwater, Stadacona, La Hulloise, Nootka Destroyer and in the RCAF 412 Transport Squadron. He then worked in the Dockyard and later ran Burke’s Grocery on Rose Street in Dartmouth with his wife for 18 years. He coached Minor Hockey Bantam Division, Canadian Foresters then managed the Midget Division. He also started the Dartmouth Mixed and St. Peter’s Mixed Bowling Leagues. Pat dearly loved his 'Mon' and missed her greatly after her passing. He told his family last night he only wanted to be with her. He loved and was very proud of his children and grandchildren and so enjoyed his and the family’s dogs. He loved to dance with Mon in their early years together, recall stories from the war, time spent and places traveled during his flying career and of his time growing up at 'The Mount' to any and all he spoke to. His memory for recall amazed us. He also loved to play cards, sing, bowl and garden. Celebrating Christmas was a very special time of year for him and he took great pride in creating his famous paper-thin shortbreads, loaves, gingerbread men, making chocolate suckers and candy wreaths for the kids. He will be greatly missed, especially at this time of year. Love and will miss you Dad from Suze, Kev, Marlene and Sweetie. Visitation will take place Tuesday, September 23rd from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth. Funeral will take place in St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 10 Maple St., Dartmouth on Wednesday, Septem­ber 24th at 10 a.m., Father Jim Richards, Celebrant. Reception to follow in St. Peter’s Parish Centre. The family would like to send their very special thanks to Drs. Malik and Wieber, the wonderful nursing staff at 5W Camp Hill Veterans’ Me­morial Building, QEII, Red Cross Homecare and Nightingale for their loving care and support. Donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, IWK Health Centre Founda­tion or any pet charity of your choice.