John Burke, 64

John Burke, 64, passed away on April 4, 2016, at his home in Helena, Mont., just 12 days after his brother, David, 63, died in Big Timber, Mont.

John was born in Omaha, Neb., on July 4, 1951. He liked to tell people the fireworks were for him. John grew up in Bluefield, W.Va. At age 13, the family was transferred to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he graduated from the infamous class of 1969.

John was a superb mechanic and worked at the Big Y station near Fernan during high school. He was in the Army; and, then attended classes at North Idaho College. He was later assistant manager at the IGA on Sherman, until a spinal/back injury prevented him from furthering his career; and, left him permanently disabled. He moved to Helena in the late ’80s.

John was very articulate and could be very persuasive. An avid reader, he had a bright mind and loved to pontificate about politics and current events with his friends. He was compassionate to those in need, and liked to help people who had fallen on hard times.

Prior to his injury, John rode motorcycles, fished, hunted and snowmobiled. He was a devoted uncle to his nephew, Will.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Anne Burke, in 2007. He is survived by his father, Frank Burke and his wife, Adele of Port Richey, Fla.; his sisters, Patti and Cindy Burke of Helena; his niece, Heather Vargas-Lyon and her husband, Jorge of Seattle; and nephews James Burke of Boise, and Will Lyon and his wife, Amelia of San Mateo, Calif.

Rest in peace, dear brother.

A remembrance coffee for family and friends of both John and David will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 25, 2016, in Coeur d’Alene City Park at or near the picnic shelter. Please bring a chair. Contact (406) 443-8016.

Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or a memory of John.