1
tree
planted in memory of Philip Lee Burke
Obituary for Philip Lee Burke
Philip Lee Burke of La Junta, Colorado, entered into rest on April, 11, 2024 in his home, surrounded by his
loving family.
He was born on July 19, 1935 in Beltrami, Minnesota to Evelyn and Raymond Burke. At his death he was
88 years of age. Philip is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kandy Burke of La Junta, Colorado; daughters,
Jennifer (Rick) Ritter of La Junta, and Bethany (Jim) Newman of La Junta; son, Brian Burke of Santa Fe,
New Mexico; grandsons: Alexander, Matthew and Nathaniel (Nathan) Ritter and granddaughter: Kyria
Ritter . He has also left nieces and nephews including Cheryl (Curt) Amos and much loved in-laws, Mark
and Yolanda Angelo and Marcia Burke.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Raymond Burke; brothers, Sonny Burke and Don
Burke.
He was an entrepreneur and an extremely hard worker. He operated a tree service in Washington State
in which he would climb tall fir trees with a belt and spurs to cut of their tops for safety purposes. He
learned to scuba dive and snorkel in the Puget Sound. On one occasion, he and a buddy speared
enough fish to feed everyone at a local circuit assembly.
After moving to Colorado he owned a janitorial service and also worked in maintenance at Colorado
Bank & Trust for many years. When he first moved to La Junta he helped to construct a Kingdom Hall on
Adams Avenue. After retirement he loved to spend time in his garden, and would grow fine vegetables
and fruit for his family and friends. He was always ready to share his homemade wine, granola, and
espressos.
He and Kandy loved to travel, and attended many international assemblies of Jehovah's witnesses. He
and Kandy were able to travel to 15 different countries in their married life. He enjoyed having friends
of all nationalities.
Phil loved people and was always ready to share with them the wonderful hope that God's word offers
to all. He called it the good news of the Kingdom, a future time of a paradise earth. Even when he was
very sick in the waiting room of the cancer treatment center, he would still minister to others and talk to
anyone about his faith.
He loved his heavenly father, Jehovah, and his Lord, Jesus Christ. He had unwavering faith in the
resurrection and was convinced that he would hear Jesus' voice calling him out of the grave at that time.
He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him and loved him.
To plant a tree in memory of Philip Lee Burke, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Service
Saturday
27
Apr
2:00 PM
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses La Junta, Colorado
1019 Topeka Ave
1019 Topeka Ave, CO 81050
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