DOUG BURKE

1939 – DOUG BURKE – 2024
Mason Edward Douglas (‘Doug’) Burke of Medicine Hat passed away on Saturday December 7th, 2024 at the age of 85 years. He died from the complications of frailty and a broken heart. Doug is survived by his son, Desmond (Karen Peters) and his granddaughter Mera; and by his daughter, Danielle Donington (Carl) and his grandsons, Callum and Graeme. Left to cherish Doug’s memory as well is his nephew Mason Banks (Laura).
Doug is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn Burke (nee Sherwin) who passed suddenly only three months prior; his father, Donald Burke; mother, Eliza (Crowell); stepmother, Flora (Buchanan); and sister, Louise (Eldon Banks). Gone too soon, as well, is Doug and Marilyn’s daughter, Daun Burke.
Doug was born in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, on July 24th, 1939. Little is known about his early life except that he was not fond of being at home and didn’t think Shelburne offered him much of a future. So, at age 16, he signed up for the Navy and set off. Doug’s military training was as a Supply Technician in quartermasters, so the Canadian Armed Forces considered him support staff. As such, he would eventually be posted to Army, Air Force, and Navy bases. At one such posting to CFB Moose Jaw in the early 1960s, he met Marilyn Sherwin. They worked side-by-side as clerks and were married on April 4, 1964.
Doug retired from the Military at age 41 after 25 years of service. His last posting was to CFB Suffield in southeastern Alberta. He and Marilyn liked that part of the world and decided to finally put down roots in Medicine Hat. There, Doug continued to ply his trade in warehouses, working for companies such as Knowles Electric and Medicine Hat Gas Chemicals (Methanex). He also briefly returned to CFB Suffield, working as a Commissionaire until he fully retired in 2004.
In retirement, Doug threw himself into his woodworking hobby, building up a formidable shop in the garage. He continued to be an avid sports fan, especially of the Roughriders, Blue Jays, and golf. Doug and Marilyn loved to walk, which often included a round at the Par 3 in Paradise Valley. Doug also loved darts and would rarely say no to a card game of any kind, especially cribbage. Later in life, after their three kids were off on their own, Doug and Marilyn took many tours and cruises. More recently, after the house was sold and the woodshop was closed, they enjoyed condo life and made many friends in the building. Doug was never without a smile and a friendly quip for anyone he met.
Cremation has taken place. Interment and a celebration of Doug’s life will be held later. As with Marilyn, in lieu of flowers or gifts for Doug, please take the time to review and ensure your and your loved one’s affairs are in order. Doug’s family is most grateful that this was the case as much as could be expected. And again, please take and make every opportunity to let those you care about know that you love them. Condolences for the family may be sent at www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading: Mason (Doug) Burke. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
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CGR Holdings Ltd.