Douglas Everard Burke

ASCENDED TO HEAVEN  Douglas Everard Burke, January 25, 1932 – June 15, 2012.
Born in Duncan’s, Trelawny on the island of Jamaica, Doug was the second son of Patrick Gladstone and Ruby Delores Lorraine Burke.
Doug’s career started at Tower Isle Hotel in Ocho Rios (now Couples) where he began a lifelong romance with Elaine “Bunty” Hemsworth. They married in 1955 and in 1956, gave birth to the first of five children.
Doug worked at Reynolds Jamaica Mines and then at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) in Ocho Rios. From there, he moved to Montego Bay where he was the general manager for the JTB north coast. He became Deputy Director of Tourism for the island in 1974. A former Minister of Tourism (Jamaica) recently described Doug as a “pioneer” for Jamaican Tourism.
In 1977, Doug departed from his beloved Jamaica to give his children more opportunities. He left a life of renown to start again in Canada, the land of opportunity. That year, he joined 100 Huntley Street/Crossroads Christian Communications, where he became Director of Communications.
Doug’s children learnt essential lessons from their father’s life. Integrity, humility, generosity, perseverance and a spirit of service were his hallmarks taught by deeds, not words. His deep and abiding love for Bunty was an example to many and they were known as “the lovebirds”.
He is survived by his wife, Bunty, his children, Timothy (Paul Magnus), Kathryn Mooij (Peter), Nicola Keene (Derrick), Paul (Vicky) and Stephen (Jana), 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as his brother Gary (Hélène) of Quebec and sister Patricia Jackson of California. He will also be missed by nieces, nephews and all who knew him.
A service of remembrance will take place on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at 4 pm at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Mt. Pleasant Road in Toronto, followed by a reception. If so desired, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Society of Greater Simcoe County or 100 Huntley Street.