Bill Burke

- Bill Burke passed away Sunday, August 25th at the age of 63, after a long courageous battle with cancer with his best friend Kelly at his side.
Bill was born to Donald Eugene and Lucille Burke on January 17, 1950 in Anaconda Montana. Bill attended school in Anaconda and Missoula. Bill's love for food started in 1966 where he was a cook at the Florence Hotel. In 1968 Bill joined the U.S. Navy and embarked on a two year journey where he cooked for his Navy brothers. Bill was honorably discharged in 1970. Bill returned to Missoula Montana where he began his career in the tire industry. Bill worked as a tire technician and manager, alongside his father and two brothers at Goodyear Tire Co. From there Bill worked at various tire companies throughout Missoula. Bill went on to try his hand at building picture frames and sorting magazines.
Bill had a love for the outdoors. Camping, fishing, hunting and a simple drive in the mountains brought a smile to his face and warmth to his heart. He was one of Nascar's biggest fans, the faster the car the better. Elvis pictures adorned his walls and Johnny Cash was heard throughout his house.
Bill was devoted to his family. Never having married or had children, Bill thought of his nieces and nephews as his own. Bill is survived by his sister Donna Kolar (Gary) of Missoula whom was his everything, his brother John (Sheila) whom was his best hunting buddy in the mountains and about, his brother Ken whom Bill took under his wing and was always looking out for , Agnes Funston (Jerry) of Anaconda whom was his favorite pasty maker, Kathleen Sewell of Townsend MT, cousins Laurie Lampe Curry, Danny Lampe, and Bob Lampe whom he thought of as extended siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, including two great nieces that were the twinkle in his eye - Brooklynn and Samantha. He was their "Billy Boy". Bill was preceded in death by his mother Lucille Burke and father Donald Burke. He was also preceded by several aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday August 31st at 10:00 a.m. at Garden City Funeral Home. Please come and celebrate the life and memories of Bill. Memorial donations can be made to Montana Cancer Center at Providence St Patrick Hospital, 500 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802 or the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, 1020 19th St.NW, Ste. 475 Washington, DC 20036.
Bill's family wishes to thank his friends and neighbors Pat Neblock, Osa Wahl and Kelly Callaghan who were by his side every step of the way in his fight with cancer. We are forever grateful for their love, support and dedication to Bill.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com


Read Bill Burke's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.