The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael (Mike) Burke, who left us tragically on October 12, 2023, in a vehicle accident in Mt. Shasta, California. Born on January 9, 1951, in Springfield, Ohio, Mike was the youngest of three children. His family relocated to Los Angeles during his childhood, where he later graduated from Charter Oak High School. After graduation, Mike enlisted in the National Guard. After Mike's father passed away in 1972, he was granted a hardship discharge and returned to Covina, California to help care for his mom.

Upon his return to Covina, Mike began his lifelong career in the landscaping business. In 1974 he met "the girl next door," Denise (Dee Dee) Saner. They were married five years later on March 29, 1979. While living in Covina, Mike and Dee Dee welcomed their two sons, Patrick and Andrew. In 1989, they moved to Fallbrook, California, and spent six years there while Mike was operating Michael K. Burke Custom Landscaping.

In 1995, Mike was introduced to and fell in love with Sisters after helping a friend move to the area, and they decided to relocate their family there in April of that same year. Shortly after moving, Mike rebranded his custom landscaping business to Sisters Landscape Company. He worked in the day-to-day operations until 2020, when he retired and transferred the daily responsibilities to Aaron St. Jeor, who continues to successfully operate the business today.

Friends fondly remember Mike as a beacon of happiness, a joy to be around, and a person of great generosity. His passions included travel, hands-on projects, and cherished moments with family. He had a special place in his heart for their dachshund, Hanna, who also died in the accident.

Mike is survived by Dee Dee, his wife of 44 years, his sons Patrick (Stephanie) of Sisters, Andrew (Anne) of Corvallis, daughter Rhonda of Texas, his brother Frank (Judy) Burke of San Dimas, California, sister Patricia (Norman) Anderson of Covina, California, and nephews Ryan (Rebecca) Burke of Covina, California, Chris Burke of Salt Lake City, Utah, David (Nancy) Anderson of Azusa, California, Michael Paul (Francina) Anderson of Lewisville, Texas, and Doug (Susan) Anderson of Galveston, Texas. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Burke and Emma Pesceone, and his nephew, Daniel Anderson.

Mike leaves behind a legacy in his beloved grandchildren, Emma, Landon, Jordan, and Natalie, who affectionately knew him as "Papa."

Mike's family would like to thank the Sisters community for the most incredible outpouring of love and support. A public celebration of life will be held at the Sisters Rodeo Arena on June 15, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sisters Rodeo Association or a charity of your choice.