Robert Joseph Burke Sr., aka Bob, passed away peacefully in his Bainbridge Island home, surrounded by his loving family, on Nov. 15, 2014.
Bob led a remarkable life and leaves behind an amazing legacy of friends and family that will miss him dearly.
The life of Bob started way back on March 7, 1946 in Connecticut. After excelling in sports at Hamden High School, Bob made his way to Villanova where he ended up meeting the love of his life, Sherry. After graduation, Bob was called to duty in the Army, where he became an officer and eventually joined the Special Forces. He was extremely proud of his military service and his tour of duty in Viet Nam as an infantry officer with the 1st Calvary Division (with qualifications as a paratrooper, Pathfinder and Green Beret).
Bob returned home safely and while still in the service he went to law school and became an attorney. After 10 years of active duty, Bob concluded his career in the Army Reserves as a judge advocate general, attaining the rank of colonel – or as he proudly would croon, “Full bird.”
In 1979, Bob and his family relocated to Bainbridge Island and he started work at the Seattle law firm, Oles Morrison. He was the managing partner there for 20 years and worked at the firm until his passing.
As much as Bob loved his job, his amazing co-workers, and his friends – what always mattered most to him was his family. In times of joy and sorrow, Bob was always a rock and could be counted on to give the best speeches, the best advice, and the best hugs. He had incredible heart, strength and intelligence that will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Bob is survived by his wife Sherry; his sons Rob (Bainbridge Island), Jeff (Seattle) and Tim (Bainbridge Island); his daughter Karen (Bainbridge Island); his daughter-in-laws, Helen, Eliza and Lisa; his son-in-law Drew; his granddaughters Maddie, Lila and Magnolia; his grandsons Hudson, Finn and Baby Boy Burke. Collectively, even without the physical presence of our fearless leader, we are known as TeamBob.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, that donations in Bob’s honor be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Donations can be made online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or by phone 855-448-3997.
A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Grace Episcopal Church, 8595 NE Day Road, Bainbridge Island. There will be an after-party at the same location. It’s casual dress – because that’s the way Bob would want it.
