Today, June 29, 2017, I lost a friend, buddy, brother in spirit , and a true mentor. Kenneth Burke was born in Salem, Massachusetts on August 27, 1934 and touched oh so many till he took his last breath at 4:15 near his home in Netherlander, Texas.

He was , without a doubt, the most positive person I have ever met in my 70 years, this being one of the many gifts he shared with those who grew to know and love him. He always approached with a warm hand shake or hug and that always present smile. Truly a person one could never forget.

We shared many adventures together , stories which will be expanded on at another time, which range from the thoughts of a business venture to walking around the granite quarry near his home in Rockport . His spirit was one of a person many years younger than his physical age which the love of his life , Bonnie, had to occasionally keep in tow. When I told him that Laura and I were to marry he bestowed upon me his simple philosophy of having a long and happy marriage, two simple words ‘Yes Dear’. Those who intimately know him realize that he learned that later in life.

He had an over abundance of patience with this guy , his junior by 12 years. He knew my faults and what was best for me with the perspective of a loving brother . He watched over me from a distance and showed me what I did not see in myself. There were many things but the most significant was to reopen my eyes to the omnipresence of the Lord. He had a gentle approach which came to fruition when I became a member of the First Methodist Church in Lakeland , Florida.

 

I guess that I could on and on, and the same from many others,but will with a tear in my eye I will stop for now and wish your soul great travels to your heavenly home.

Love you my friend