Brian Dennis Michael Burke

Brian Dennis Michael Burke, age 70 of Sumner, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Rainier Rehabilitation in Puyallup as the result of lung cancer. He was born May 17, 1945 in Madison, WI, the son of Gerald and Marion (Freitag) Burke. Brian was a Veteran of the U.S. Military and served in Okinawa and Vietnam. After serving his Country, he obtained his pilots license and flew privately in California. Later, he worked as a salesperson and over-the-road truck driver. His interest included vintage cars (specifically Corvettes), planes, and his love for the Great Northwest where he lived for most of his adult life. Brian is survived by three children, Michele (Robert) Boyle, Michael (Keri) Burke and Tony Reuter; 4 grandchildren, Jennica(Barry), Sammantha (Evan), Jacob, and Annah; one great-grandchild, Jaxson; two sisters, Diane Burke and Colleen Burke (Bill Lambert); brother, Greg Burke; nephew, Daniel Burke and other family and friends who loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial Service for family and friends will be held at 11 a.m Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 Southeast 240th Street, Kent, WA. Per his final wishes, his ashes will be spread on Mt. Rainier in a private service with his family. Brian’s family would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to Stephan D. Fihn, MD who provided Brian with many years of exceptional medical care and for whom Brian had much respect and admiration.