Gregory Raymond ‘Greg’ Burke
July 23, 2021
Peacefully at home, with family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Friday, July 23, 2021, at the age of 53. Beloved husband and partner in crime of Sonja Burke (née Giles), for 34 years. Loving and devoted dad of Sienna, Jaime, and Riley. Cherished son of John Burke (Bonnie). Loving brother of Brian Burke. Fondly remembered by his brothers-in-law, Stephen (Jayme) Giles, Shayne (Mia) Giles; and Gary’s wife, Dorothy. Dear son-in-law of Diane Giles and Ken Giles (Dorothy). Predeceased by his mother, Lucy; brothers, Dave and Gary; and sister-in-law, Debbie Burke. He will be missed by his best friends: John Meredith, John Bumstead, Paul Frolick, and their wives, Serena and Suzanne. Much loved uncle of many nieces and nephews. Greg was a committed employee of Vicwest for 33 years and a loyal friend to our great neighbours. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. Registration is required to attend. The family also welcomes those who are unable to attend, to participate in the service via livestream.
To register for the visitation and service, please click here: >Registration page for the Memorial Service of Greg Burke on Friday, July 30, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. (visitation from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.)
To register for the livestream, please click here: >Registration page for the livestream of the memorial service for Greg Burke on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Greg are asked to consider Regional HIV/AIDS Connection.
Leave a tribute for Gregory Raymond ‘Greg’ Burke
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Sonja, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Greg. He was a wonderful addition to our family gatherings. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and the girls at this difficult time. The picture represents the truest memories of Greg, always smiling, always laughing. May your memories remain part of the heart forever. May they give you peace and comfort.
Our sincere sympathies to you and your family at this very sad time. Praying for all. Cherish those memories.
We are very saddened to learn about Greg's passing and extend our thoughts and sympathy to Sonja, Sienna, Riley, Jaime and Sonja and Greg's families. Greg fit right in with Sonja's cousins, and we remember many good times with Greg at our get-togethers over the years, and great hospitality when we visited London.
Sending our sincere condolences to all of Greg's family during this sad sad time. The last occasion we saw Greg was at one of the Burke reunions. He drove his motorcycle to Joan & Rick's in Walkerton. We all enjoyed the day. When Greg was ready to leave you could tell he was pretty happy to be riding in style, as his smile lit up his face.
Sending our condolences to all. Treasure the Memories.
I wish to express my sincere sympathy and condolences to Sonja, Sianna, Riley, and Jaime, and to the entire Burke family. Although I hadn't seen Greg in many years, I remember him fondly as a fine young man and a close friend of my son Paul from the days when we lived on Broadview Avenue (Couchiching Point) in Orillia. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to the Burke family. Greg was one of the most positive people I know and I always had time for Greg.
Sonja and girls, I am so very sorry for your loss, my sincere condolences. Greg and I worked closely together and we got along well because we were always laughing. As I'm sure you know, Greg could talk to anyone about anything for hours - often talking to me on my entire ride home (I'd have to say, "Greg, I'm in my driveway, gotta go" and then we talk a little longer). I will miss those conversations and hold them close.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family during this sad and difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sonja, there are no words adequate enough to say how heartbroken I am for you and the girls. You are one of the best people I have ever met ( saving and preserving life for others, through your work) but my favourite times with you were listening to your family stories. May Greg's light shine brightly through those stories in the years to come. I am so sorry Sonja.
Sonja & Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Greg for more than 20 years and he was truly one of my most favorite people. No matter how stressful the situation he was always a joyful presence. He made work fun, and I was blessed to call him colleague and friend. He loved his work, but what he will truly be remembered for was how very much he loved and honoured his family. A wonderful man who will be missed by many.
Gone far too soon.. a great boss, an even greater man. He was always there to chat about anything you needed with a positive perspective on things; A truly positive impact on everything he was involved in. My condolences to his wife and family through this difficult time and I hope they find comfort in the fact that Greg was a great influence on so many peoples lives!
Dearest Sonja and girls, I am so very sorry to hear of Greg's passing. Sending you much love and strength. My heart hurts for you. xo Sue
Dear Sonja,Sienna, Jamie and Riley. Our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Greg. He was such a lovely man, you 4 were the light of his life.
My deepest sympathies to Greg's Family. I had the pleasure of working with Greg for many years. He always had an unshakable optimistic outlook with life which came through in his work and caring ways. Always walked with a smile and surely a laugh would follow....which in turn would make you smile. It was my privilege to have worked alongside such a dedicated, caring and fun individual. You will be greatly missed Greg.
So sorry to hear of Greg's passing. My sincere sympathy to the entire Burke family, especially Uncle John. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom Brenner
My deepest sympathies to Greg's family. Greg was a good friend, both personally and professionally. He always commented about how proud he was of his family. I will miss talking to and seeing Greg. His knowledge and experience were of a great help to me and something I will never forget.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family through this difficult time. Rick & Renee
I'm so sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy.
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Such sad news. Our thoughts are with you all Sonja xoxo
I will always remember your smile, RIP. My condolences for the Burke family.
To my Brother Greg. May you Rest In Peace. We were always "jokingly" between employees, "You are my Brother from a different Mother ". You will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to the family.
Greg was our rock at the Canadian Farm Builders Association Board. He was calm, thoughtful and unfailingly professional...the voice of soft reason. Always ready to help. It was more than a privilege to work with Greg; it was a joy because he was that kind of guy - inspirational, sincere. I am going to miss the guy terribly. My most sincere sympathies go to Greg's family - thank you for sharing him with us - we are that much better for this kind gift. Terry
Truly one of life's precious gifts taken far too soon. Greg will be missed by many and remembered for years to come. With deepest condolences my thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
I had the pleasure of working with Greg during his time with Vicwest and always enjoyed his optimistic attitude and honest opinions. He was always there to share a laugh or vent with over any issues that arrived. I have missed our working lunches... and wish we had more. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burke family...David and Sonya
Dear Sonja: His laugh, his kindness, his deep respect for people will live on in all those he has influenced. I am honored to be one of them. Please know that are hearts are with you during this tough time..........tom
My sincere condolences to Sonja, Sienna, Jaime, Riley and your family. I worked from Quebec with Greg since day 1, he was a wonderful collegue, allways smilling and happy. Never feel it was a pain to help or share informations with us, he was really respectful with others. Take one day at a time during this difficult time, be sure that God is receiving a wonderful angel.
I had the great honor and pleasure of working with Greg at Vicwest for over 20 years. It was truly a privilege to work along side such a dedicated, hard working yet fun individual. You and your family are in my thoughts as you grieve this loss. Greg will truly be missed.
So sorry to hear of Greg's passing. As so many have noted, Greg always had a friendly smile and a happy disposition. He will be sorely missed.
Dear Sonja, my heart breaks for you and your girls. I had the privilege of working with Greg for 24 years with the last 5 years or so with him being my boss. One of the best. I will always remember his infectious laugh and genuine positivity. He will be greatly missed by many. Sending hugs and condolences to you and your family.
Our sincere sympathies to the Burke family.
Greg and i were co-workers going back to Indal Metals and Vicwest. The consummate professional who was always willing to offer his advise and expertise. I will remember fondly all the times we shared discussing business and family over lunch at our favorite Chinese Restaurant in Oakville. My sincere condolences to Sonja and the Burke family.
Greg was the genuine article. Simply one of the nicest guys I have ever had the privilege to know. His greatest strength was his spirit, no doubt brought on by his unwavering pride and joy of family. His smile and laugh were infectious, and certainly a key to his success over his many years with Vicwest. We were blessed to have this "gentle man" as a colleague and moreover, our friend. Our deepest condolences to his family.
My heartfelt condolences to the family, he was always humorous and well spirited in the office we're all going to miss you.
My sincere sympathies and condolences Burke family. Greg was a great friend, co worker and someone I considered being one of the best people you could know. Rest in peace my good man.
I will truly miss Greg . I considered him a great friend although I did not know his family I wish to give them my sincere condolences . He was a wonderful man. We are all better people from having the pleasure of knowing him . Miss you Burkie!!
Dear Sonja, Sienna, Jamie and Riley; Greg was a devoted husband and father and an amazing friend. His family was the centerpiece of his life and I always appreciated how he would light up every time he shared stories about his three beautiful daughters. We are all deeply saddened by this loss and my thoughts are prayers are with you during this time. During this difficult time may you find some comfort in ALL the wonderful memories you shared as a family. Love, Brian
Heartfelt condolences to the Burke family, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My sincere condolences over the loss of Greg.
Our hearts are saddened to hear of Greg's passing. We send our sincere condolences to the entire family at this difficult time. Please know we are thinking of you all.
Greg was a wonderful boss and friend, but an even better all around person. Sonja and girls, my heart absolutely breaks for you and I hope the memories you hold of your husband and father live on forever. Thinking of you in this very difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to you at this sad time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time, treasure the memories and may they comfort you always.
Sonja: sending my condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
We are very sad to learn the news of Greg's passing. Greg was a member of the Canadian Farm Builders Association's Board of Directors from February 2016 to December 2020, representing Vicwest. Greg had a warm character, a ready-smile, and a continually positive approach. He was a well-experienced and respected member of our Board, and we mourn his passing. We will miss Greg's enthusiastic support in planning (and participating in) our Annual Golf event, and his infinite wisdom on our Governance Committee. We will dedicate our 2021 Golf Tournament to Greg, and will honour his memory on this day. We offer our sincere condolences to Greg's family, friends, and colleagues. May he rest in peace. Kindest and Sincerest regards - Sally Akroyd Bombino On Behalf of the CFBA Board of Directors and Members
Our condolences to the Burke family. Greg was always great to work with and so easy to talk to. He went out of his way to help me during some difficult times with a difficult client, and I was never able to repay the favour. His consistent positivity will be missed. Our thoughts are prayers are with you.
Dear Sonja, Sincerest condolences are never enough. For your Dad, a retired journalist, personal grief remains indescribable. Always remember Dad's famous line, "That guy's here again." That guy was Greg. First there were the dates, then engagement, followed by 34 years of treasured marriage. For you; Greg was a cherished husband. For Sienna, Riley and Jaime; a wonderful father. For me, Greg became a third son. I was truly proud of all his achievements both within and outside his family. I, too, will grieve Greg's death, his life taken far too soon. All my love, Dad, "Grandpa Scoop" to Sienna, Riley and Jaime.
As the little brother of one of Greg's best friends growing up (my brother, Paul), my occasional presence was tolerated, at best. Having said that, I recall Greg (Petes) always being so friendly and kind. I can still picture that famous smile and hear that big laugh all these years later! What a beauty! Sending heartfelt condolences and love to Sonja, Sienna, Riley and Jaime.
Heartfelt condolences going out to Greg's family. He was a great guy with such a positivity for life. He will be missed.
What a great loss, Greg will be missed by so many Vicwest colleagues. Wishing you strength during this difficult time.
Our heartfelt condolences at this time. Dan remembers Greg as Dave's little brother. Fondly remembered as Peet's as in Peet's a boo until Greg put a stop to that. My(Dans) best friends baby's brother always happy and smiling. RIP Greg. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sonja, the girls and the families at this time.
I had the pleasure to known Greg over the years. Always a smile and soft spoken, especially when we use to chat about our kids. May you rest in peace Greg. My sincere condolences to Madame Burke, children and family. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
My sincerest condolences to the Burke family. Greg was an outstanding kind man.
My sincere sympathies to the Burke family at this very difficult time.
Dearest Sonja, Our love to you, the 'girls', and your circle of support. Hold each memory and each other tightly as you continue to walk this path together. Greg's smile is so bright, engaging, and wonderful. What a special photo of a great guy. Love to you all and so very sorry to hear of his passing. Big, tight, sincere hugs to each one of you. Nancy and John.
Greg undertook his battle with dignity, surrounded by family and friends. My heartfelt condolences go to his family.
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