LARRY BURKE

Larry Leslie Burke, 76, passed away May 24, 2018, in Mesa, Arizona, after a long struggle with
cancer. Larry was born March 31, 1942, in Grafton, N.D. to Dorothy (Brown) and Francis Burke.
Larry graduated from Central High School in Grand Forks, N.D., attended the University of N.D.,
then transferred to the University of Idaho to pursue a degree in wildlife management and
agriculture. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He met his wife, Ann, at the
University of Idaho and they were married in Meridian, Idaho, in 1966. They moved to Larimore,
N.D. where Larry worked with his father for 12 years in farming and construction. Their two
children, Amy and Stuart, were born in Grand Forks. Larry served 10 years in the North Dakota
National Guard. In 1978 the family moved to Lincoln, Montana, where Larry enjoyed being an
outfitter for hunting and fishing in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. They moved to Fairbanks,
Alaska in 1980 where they made their home. Larry loved Alaska. He built a 24’ riverboat the
first year and ran it on many moose hunting trips up in the Brooks Range. A friend introduced
him to Prince William Sound out of Valdez and he was hooked. His favorite place was on his
boat staying out in one of the many coves and bays of the sound. He didn’t care if he did any
fishing, but he loved to drive the boat and watch family and friends catch fish. Larry was an
active member of the Fairbanks Curling Club and enjoyed both recreational and competitive
curling for many years.
Larry worked at the University of Alaska as the manager of the Agriculture and Forestry
Experiment Station (the farm). After retiring in 2005, he and Ann spent winters in Arizona and
returned to Valdez in the summer to enjoy time on the boat and “work” at Eagle’s Rest RV Park.
Larry will be remembered for his great sense of humor. He had wonderful friends everywhere he
lived -- he loved kibitzing with friends on the boat, at the curling club, in front of his chiminea at
the RV park or in the driveway in Arizona where everyone gathered at 4:00 each afternoon. He
will be sorely missed.
Larry is survived by his wife, Ann, of 51 years, daughter Amy (John) Foraker, son Stuart
(Danielle) Burke, grandchildren Cameron and Jordan Foraker, all of Alaska, and his sister Janet
Burke of Grand Forks, N.D. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kay Burke.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fairbanks Curling Club on July 14, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. In
lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Hospice of the Tanana Valley, 2001 Gillam Way,
Fairbanks, AK 99701.