To those of you in NJ. who knew him ----- Five long whistle's calling him home. RIP ol friend.
Ed K. cp Laurel Run
It is with great sadness that I must report to the Rails and Signals group the passing of William Burke, aka Sasquatch. After leaving rehab care at the end of July he had 10 days back at home before imminent congestive heart failure necessitated his return to the hospital on July 28. After being on a breathing tube for 12 days, the tube was removed and he was able to be trasferred off of the Critical Care Unit. He was not able to regain much strength. On Sunday 8/17 falling oxygen levels in his blood count would have required him to be put back on the breathing tube, but in accordance with his wishes, the decision was made to cease aggressive care and switch him to "comfort care". Myself and my husband spent Sunday at his bedside and he had visits from a few old friends. He opened his eyes only a few times. He passed peacefully and painlessly at Overlook Hospital in Summit NJ at 9:25am this morning. Those of you who knew "Burke" knew that he was not the kind of man who liked to compromise his lifestyle. He also had a decided dislike for hospitals and could not see himself living anywhere but at his house. He was a man with a soul and personality as big as his formidible frame. I look forward to hearing stories of more of his notorious escapades in the days ahead. For any local friends, services are TENTATIVELY being set for Sunday August 31 at St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Plainfield (located in the chapel of Crescent Ave Presbyterian Church). I have copied my email into this message and have included my contact info below. Please feel free to contact me if you wish. Sincerely, Bill Burke's daughter, Maren Sugarman973-893-0553marensug@gmail. com
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