Burke, Gerald "Gerry" Timothy

Gerald "Gerry" Timothy Burke - age: 62
(October 30, 1953 to January 14, 2016 )
Resident of Ukiah, California

Obituary:
Gerald Timothy Burke, was born October 30th, 1953 in Duluth, Minnesota. Gerry attended Holy Rosary Grammar school in Duluth until the family moved to Ukiah in January of 1965. He finished his grammar schooling at St Mary’s of the Angels. Gerry graduated from Ukiah High School with the class of 1972. In his younger years Gerry worked CDF fighting fires with the heli-tack crew. He was a California Highway Patrolman in the early 1980’s. Gerry then set out for Hawaii and worked several years there with the Kapalua corporation on Maui. While in Hawaii Gerry was a member of championship rowing team that would compete in grueling rowing competitions from island to island. Gerry returned to the mainland and was married to Elaine Shore. Gerry would go on to be employed by the Johnson family at Reliable Mill Supply in Ukiah for many years.
Gerry loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and his true love was the game of golf. He was most at home on the golf course and made many long lasting friendships playing the game. Gerry truly loved to follow his brother John from outside the ropes at many a PGA golf tournament. John has caddied for the Pros for many years and Gerry was so proud of him. Any of you who knew Gerry knew he kinda had a thing for the Minnesota Vikings pro football team. He followed them from their very beginning in 1961 right up until this past Sunday when he suffered through one of their worst playoff losses on record. They broke his heart season after season, but he never abandoned them, even when the Henderson clan surrounded him with 49er fever! We truly believe with Gerry, Tommy, Jimmy and Mom and Dad up there in heaven they will deliver us a Super Bowl win!! Go VIKINGS!
Gerry loved his many friends and family with all of his big heart. Gerry was predeceased by his mom and dad, Bob and Juanita, and his brothers Jim and Tommy. Gerry is survived by his sister Debbie husband Byron Hohnstein, brothers John and Bob, wife Melissa and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who he loved all very much.
There will be a memorial service for Gerry on Thursday January 21st at 1:00 pm at the Eversole Mortuary in Ukiah. A gathering will follow at the Ukiah golf course clubhouse.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Ukiah High School Golf Team or a charity of your choice.