Obituary of Thomas Ignatius "Naish " Burke, Glace Bay

Naish Burke, age 77 of Glace Bay, passed away on Tuesday, May 9^th, 2023 in his home with his wife and family by his side.

Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Thomas E. and Emma Frances (Moffatt) Burke.

Dad started his working career in the family business, Burke & Chiasson Painting Contractors Ltd. He later worked for the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board in the maintenance department, from which he retired due to various health problems. Dad loved helping others which he was able to do through his employment at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Homes & Ambulance Service, in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

He was an active member of both St. Anthony’s and Holy Cross Parish where he served on the parish council and was also an active choir member. Dad loved hunting and fishing in his younger years and also spent time camping in Lake Ainslie. Dad had loved his trips to the lake with his buddies, who will also miss him immensely.

He belonged to the KOC in the 1970’s and 80’s, serving as Columbus President and Council Activity Director for a couple of years. Dad loved his children beyond measure and was always involved in whatever our interests were.

Although he had his boys, his main fishing partner was his only daughter who he called “his queen.” Dad also coached major little league baseball and minor hockey in the 1970’s. He was a dad to more than just his own children, taking car loads to hockey and baseball practice as well as tournaments.

Naish is survived by his loving wife, Olga (Michalik) Burke, sons, David, Darren “Nipper”, Greg (Juanita), Christopher (Courtney) and his daughter, Ainsley (Joey) Pickup, three sisters, Lorraine (Basil) McGillivray, Sharon (James) Gunn, Stephanie (Dave) Walker.

Dad was an amazing poppy and truly loved all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Besides dad’s parents, Naish was predeceased by his son, Dwayne, father & mother - in - law, Gus & Ruth Michalik, his daughter in-law, Suzanne, brother- in- law, Calvin, brother in-law, Brian Lepine, and sister in law, Shirley Rogers.

A very special thank you to our family friends, his guardian angel-Debbie Roach NP, and Rena Wilson RN who were there as friends even before dad was so sick and throughout his illness.

We would also like to thank Palliative care; Brett, Jaqueline, and Dr. Burns; You are all amazing! Thanks to VON nurses for the care and compassion you showed our family during this difficult time.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Glace Bay. There will be no visitation.

The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 13^th at 11 am in Holy Cross Church, Glace Bay with Fr. Norman MacPhee presiding followed by a reception in the church hall.

Memorial donations in memory of Naish may be made to St. Anthony’s Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca