September 24, 1949 - December 26, 2024
It is with heavy hearts yet a sense of peace that we say a final goodbye to Walter Joseph Burke. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Walter has found rest, and we find solace knowing he is free from the struggles he endured.
Born to a skilled carpenter and a devoted teacher, Walter inherited both his father’s craftsmanship and his mother’s quiet wisdom. These qualities defined his life as a devoted family man, a hard worker, and a steady friend.
Known affectionately as “Post” by his childhood friends, Walter passed away peacefully at Riverside Glen in Guelph, Ontario, on December 26, 2024, at the age of 75.
Walter was a man of few words but always quick to laugh—a laugh so infectious it could light up a room. He adored his family—Patricia, Robin, and Kelly—and worked tirelessly to ensure his girls were provided for. A gifted carpenter, Walter built whole streets of homes on the south shore of Montreal, crafting not just houses but places where families could grow and thrive.
Though hardworking, Walter was never one to shy away from life’s pleasures. He loved a cold beer (or five) with his buddies at Dolan’s Tavern, much to his wife’s occasional dismay. He was notorious for his extraordinary napping abilities—finding comfort on a couch, a bench, or even on the floor—and for his insistence on perfectly cooked eggs, a standard few dared to challenge.
Walter also cherished his siblings—David, Kitty, Betty, Peggy, Yvonne, Peter, and Raymond—building lifelong bonds that were as enduring as the homes he constructed.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff at Riverside Glen for their exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated.
As Walter knew well, life is a game of hands dealt and played, and he always played his with quiet determination. In the words of Don Schlitz: ‘Cause every hand’s a winner; And every hand’s a loser; And the best that you can hope for; Is to die in your sleep.’
Care for the family provided by Passages Cremation and Burial