Bob G. Burke

It is with deep sorrow and so much love that we mourn the passing of Bobbie Gale Burke. A resident of Oakdale, CA, Bob passed away on August 22, 2020, at the age of 77. Bob was born in Hayward, CA on November 30, 1942 to John Harrison Burke and Winnie Juanita Cranford. He grew up in Hayward with his parents and sister, Glenna Sue (Susie) Simpkins. On October 6, 1962, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Beth) Kay Rask, in San Leandro, CA. Over the years, Bob and his wife lived in Pleasanton, CA (1965), Tracy, CA (1967) and Oakdale, CA (1999). They raised their four daughters, Debbie, Donna, Tammy and Kate (Mary), working hard on the ranch and teaching them the intricacies of raising horses. Some of the daughters’ and grandchildren’s fondest memories include: spending hours at the barn working horses and fixing stalls, fixing up the house, learning to drive a tractor, camping trips, and always encouraging his family to pursue their dreams. His daughters remember him always kissing them and their mom goodbye. Bob and Beth always had an open door and their home was surrounded by family and close friends. If someone showed up at their home, Bob insisted that they stay for dinner and when they tried to leave at the end of the night, he always said, “You don’t have to hurry off!” Bob was often found reading his bible in the evening. Bob retired from Owens-Illinois in 1996 as a machinist after devoting 35 years to the company. He was extremely skilled in his trade and took every opportunity to expose these skills to his daughters and grandchildren. In addition to being a talented machinist who was able to fix anything, Bob G. Burke was an avid horseman. He had a unique ability to breed, foal, and train quality horses. This passion surrounded every aspect of his life. Before his father passed, you could always find them working together in the horse arena. His daughters also share a love and respect for horses which has, and will continue to be, passed on for many generations to come. Bob left behind his pride and joy stallion, “Woody”, who will live the rest of his life retired out in the pasture. Bob also enjoyed planning and building. He spent many years building his legacy in Tracy, CA with his father, John Burke, by his side. Without the help and support of his wife and four daughters, their beautiful ranch would have never been possible. Through these experiences, Bob taught his daughters the importance of hard work and to never give up. Each of them learned how to swing a hammer using their left hand (even though they were all right handed!). When he was blessed with his first grandchild in 1983, Bob continued to instill the most valuable qualities in his family including kindness, generosity, unconditional love (especially for horses) and sometimes patience. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Debra (Nick) Farinelli (Le Grand, CA), Donna (Jon) Ostlund (Meridian, ID) and Tammy Kay Burke Loprieato (Oakdale, CA); grandchildren Bobbi-Sue (Chad Hunter) Fraser, Megan (Carlos) Topete, Samuel (Valen) Silva, Ian Hughes, Jesse (Chad) Bower, Hayley Gardner, Gretchen Gardner, Garrett Mendes, Harrison Loprieato, Kaitlin Mendes, Tiffany Farinelli, Lucas Loprieato, Joseph Loprieato and Mackenzie Mendes; great-grandchildren Cowboy, Winnie, Logan, Wyatt, Paisley, Jackson, Lane, Hank and Henry; sister Glenna Sue (Jerry) Simpkins (East Aurora, NY); as well as numerous relatives, near and far, and friends. Bob was sadly preceded in death by his dear wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Kay Burke; daughter, Mary Kathleen Burke (Katie Mendes); and his parents, John Harrison Burke and Winnie Juanita Burke (Cranford). Bob G. Burke loved fiercely. He was the constant within his family, being present always and taking advantage of every teachable moment. Anyone who knew Bob can tell a story which will include something about his kindness and compassion and that they are better people because of him. He was a true patriarch of the family. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. All services will be held at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock, CA 95380. Following the funeral, Bob will be laid to rest at Turlock Memorial Park. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and his care team at the Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento for their care and compassion.

Tributes

Bob G. Burke

November 30, 1942 - August 22, 2020