Matthew (Pat) Burke was born on February 16, 1941 to Mina and Jim Burke of the Forest Gate area, north of Paddockwood, SK.  As the youngest of four children, Pat and his siblings attended Moose Lake School and were immersed in the farming and cordwood logging industries.  Pat was a man of many trades.  He had a skill for small and heavy duty motor mechanics, welding, heavy equipment operating and truck driving.  He and his brother Max spent their adult years working side by side on various jobs that involved bush clearing, road and bridge building, and followed by many years of logging.  In 1984 Pat met Marion Sand and they made their life together living on the Burke homestead in Forest Gate area.  Pat continued farming his land and logging with his brother, later retiring and moving to Prince Albert in 1994.  After retirement and alongside Marion, Pat continued to enjoy his hobbies of listening to country music (especially fiddle music), gardening, coffee time and visits, as well as talking on the phone with his brothers Max and Mike and his special friend Gary McTaggart.  Pat’s health began to decline in 2007 and in 2008 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  As the years went by, he progressively got worse but was able to remain at home in Marion’s care until his final week of life.  Pat passed away on Monday, December 14th, 2015 with family by his side.  He will be sadly missed and always remembered for his kind heart and love of laughter.  Pat is survived by his loving partner Marion Sand; her children Jackie, Michael and Keith Sand and their families; his brothers Mike (Eleanor) Burke and Max (Betty) Burke and their families.  He was predeceased by his parents; his sister Dorothy Francouer; his mother-in-law Freda Pearson; his great nephew Colton Burke; and his great niece Ava Morris.  Visitation will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, December 21, 2015 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 – 28th Street West, Prince Albert, SK.  Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel with Pastor Dennis Serfas officiating.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).

• Date : 2015-12-14