BURKE, Darrell ‘Bat’

It is with broken hearts that, we the family, of Darrell ‘Bat’ Burke, 72, announce his passing after a courageous battle with leukemia and a lifelong battle with heart disease. Born in Sydney, he was the son of Joseph C. and Catherine (Campbell) Burke.

Growing up, Darrell was always active in sports and had fond memories of the time he spent at Sydney Forum with the Rink Rats. He worked at Commercial Equipment, alongside his brother Sandy, for 29 years, until his retirement.

Darrell loved to laugh. He had a quick wit, an amazing sense of humour and always had a smile on his face. He loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, whom he loved more than anything.

Darrell is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Diane (Gaudet) and his adoring children, Raymond (Tanya), Michelle (John Trenholm) and Darrick (Ainslie Johnston). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Kendra, Thomas, Kelsey, Emily and Burke. Of all the roles that he played in his lifetime being Papa was his favorite.

Darrell was the beloved brother of Peter (Marlene), David, Catherine, Pidge (Claude Macleod), Delores (Terry Dilny) and special uncle to many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Jessie, Kate and Marion, as well as Raylene (Angelo Costantino), Donna and Ruth.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by brothers, Sonny, Joe, Sandy, Manzie, and brother-inlaw, Don Parsley.

The family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the teams in Hematology, the Cape Breton Cancer Centre and to Dr. Steve MacDougall.

Visitation will take place Friday, May 24, 2019 at Sydney Memorial Chapel from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Marguerite Bougeoys Church with Rev. Dennis Lamey officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Cancer Center CBRH or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or emailed to sydneymemorialchapel@ ns.sympatico.ca.