Robert Gene Burke, 84

Robert Gene Burke, 84, passed away Oct. 28, 2011, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Bob was born Oct. 7, 1927, in Dooley, Mont., to George and Hattie Carlson. Mrs. Carlson died a few days later, and Bob was adopted by his mother's midwife, Florence Burke and her husband, Dockery. He spent his childhood on their farm until a car accident sent Mr. Burke to Warm Springs. After that, Bob helped his mother run a small general store, through which they met John Olsen, who later became Bob's unofficial adoptive father.

Bob was drafted at the age of 18, and after a short stint in Japan with the U.S. Army, he returned to eastern Montana and purchased a farm of his own. An expert cowboy, he spent his weekends riding and racing horses in several towns in eastern Montana and Canada.

One lucky day in 1965, he was introduced to Rosetta “Rosie” Ayers, whom he soon married. He was no doubt taken by her three adorable children, Richard, Dale and Tracie.

In 1966, the family moved to a farm outside of Columbia Falls, where Bob tried his hand at establishing a summer ranch for boys from “back East.” Unfortunately, only two boys ever signed up, so Bob took a job at the Columbia Falls aluminum plant, from which he retired in 1991.

In his retirement, Bob spent time building and repairing saddles, writing cowboy poetry and taking care of the family farm.

Bob is survived by his wife, Rosie; and children, Richard and Sue Burke of Columbia Falls, Dale and Winnifred Burke of Columbia Falls, and Tracie Burke of Memphis, Tenn. He is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, George and Hattie Carlson; and adoptive parents, Dockery and Florence Burke, and John Olsen. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Iris Carlson; and grandchildren, Peggy Burke and Travis Burke.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be conducted at a later date.