Robert Lawrence Burke, age 75 of Helena passed away Sunday, January 3, 2016 at St. Peter’s Hospital as a result of lung cancer. He was born on May 29, 1940 in San Antonio, Texas to Archie and Helen (Walker) Burke.
Bob grew up in San Antonio, Texas. When he was only 17 years old he enlisted in the Army in 1957. On February 20, 1960, Bob married the love of his life, Kim in Colorado Springs, CO. They had 3 children, Nina, Timothy and Michael. After 22 years of service he retired from the United States Military. Bob also worked with the IRS, United States Forest Service and State Fund in Helena.
Bob and Kim enjoyed traveling together around the County and visiting many of the national parks around Montana and Canada. They also loved to go camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and just being together as a family in the great outdoors. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his witty pranks!
Bob was preceded in death by his son, Michael Burke. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kim of Helena; daughter, Nina Westcott of Helena; son, Timothy (Kathy) Burke of Portland, OR; sister, Sherri Spitzmesser of Forestville, TX; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 8th at Liberty Baptist Church, 210 Sierra Road W., Helena. A Military Honors Service will follow in the Committal Shelter at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. A Reception will follow the burial back at Liberty Baptist Church fellowship hall. Please visit belowto offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bob.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m
Friday January 8, 2016
Liberty Baptist Church
210 Sierra Rd W.
Helena , Montana 596902
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday January 8, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery Committal Shelter
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following Graveside Service
Friday January 8, 2016
Liberty Baptist Church
210 Sierra Rd. West
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m
Friday January 8, 2016
Liberty Baptist Church
210 Sierra Rd W.
Helena , Montana 596902
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday January 8, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery Committal Shelter
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following Graveside Service
Friday January 8, 2016
Liberty Baptist Church
210 Sierra Rd. West
Helena , Montana 59602
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Nancy and Paul Treib says
Kim,
Extending heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We have known Bob for 37 years – 25 as his next-door neighbor. His energy and enthusiasm for life was unmatched. Bob loved photography and took some fantastic photos . He will be missed. God’s peace be with you !
Inez Slayman says
My heartfelt prayers and thoughts go to you Kim and family. Years ago, Bob and I worked together at State Fund, and would visit every once in a while at a store when we’d meet. He was a great person to work with, and I have one of the beautiful bamboo paintings that you brought from your home. Take comfort in the wonderful memories of him at this very difficult time. Take care Kim.
Dayle and Patrick Williams says
I will miss his “witty pranks” in church, turning my coat sleeves inside out, trying to get into my purse, walking by with his elbow out, comparing my messy hairstyle to that of a chicken…and more! Now he is present with the Lord! My thoughts are with you. Take care Kim and family.
julia (giggles) and family uk says
hi kim .sorry for your loss.wish I could attend the service .my lasting memory of bob riding the childrens rides and his stunning photography.he will be missed by many.
Bill and Shelley Haslip says
We will greatly miss Bob and his unshakeable sense of humor! His pranks and goofy get-ups brought cheer to my mom and our family while she was in the hospital during her last days here, before going home to be with the Lord. And if he came up and pulled your hair in church, you knew you were special :-). Take comfort in knowing that he trusted in the Lord and is present with HIM right now. We are praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Marilyn Parker says
I am so sorry to read of Bob’s passing. I have never met him (I live in England) but our paths crossed by accident a number of years ago via email and we have corresponded ever since! I enjoyed his photos of Montana, Glacier Park, Yellowstone and many other places which he sent me photos of and told me stories about. I feel like I know Bob and you as well, Kim. Having not heard from Bob for a while and knowing of his illness and of it going worse in December, I was concerned and feared the worst, so that is how I came to find this page.
I am sad he’s gone and am so sorry for your loss, Kim. My thoughts are with you and your family. I think Bob touched many lives. I feel enriched to have been in touch with him and been allowed to share your family milestones.