Obituary: Burke, Charles R.

BURKE, Charles R.

Charles Robert Burke quietly passed away on the evening of October 19, 2012 at his daughter’s home in Spokane WA.

Bob was born on June 23, 1923 at his parents, John and Margaret Burke’s homestead in Montana.

Bob grew up in Harlowtown and Livingston Montana.

After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Signalman for three years on the USS West Virginia before attending and graduating from Montana State University, earning his degree in animal husbandry.

Bob married Marge Ritchey in 1949.

They moved to Spokane Washington where together they raised three children.

Bob worked for Kaiser Aluminum in Spokane as a Supervisor over various operations until he fulfilled a life dream to manage his own company.

He purchased and grew the Pacific Ice Manufacturing Company in Spokane.

Marge passed away in 1984 and he married Lorraine Kolpack in 1985.

Upon selling his company and retiring in 1997 Bob and Lorraine moved to Dayton, Washington where they enjoyed life on a small ranch, another of Bob’s life dreams.

They also spent time living in Clarkston, WA, and Liberty Lake WA.

Bob returned to Livingston, Montana four years ago, where he enjoyed living on the banks of the Yellowstone River.

He especially liked small town life, time spent with family and many old friends and the incredible friendship of the many people in Livingston who he met in the businesses there and on his daily walks.

The people of Livingston never failed to spend a few minutes visiting or to offer him help.
His children and their families survive Bob.

A son, David “Stoney”, his wife Kimberley and Stoney’s sons David and Scott, a son, Charlie and Bob’s daughter Colleen, her husband Jeff Warren and their sons Jeff, Andy and Jason.

Bob has two surviving bothers Jim and Howard.

He will also be missed by Lorraine and her extended family.

Dad Burke will be remembered for the love and generosity he showed his family and friends, his entertaining stories and life lessons and for being a wonderful “Grandpa Bob!”

At Bob’s request no services will be held.

The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, Spokane WA.

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