RIP Tom Burke

Search
Go

Discussion Topic

Return to Forum List
This thread has been locked
Messages 1 - 20 of total 28 in this topic << First  |  < Previous  |  Show All  |  Next >  |  Last >>
rlf

Trad climber
Josh, CA
Topic Author's Original Post - Apr 7, 2006 - 07:32am PT
The mighty Burke has fallen. Tom died last night from cancer. He was a wonderful guy and a great friend. There is another thread over at Gordo's site:

http://joshuatreeclimb.com/forums/joshuatreeclimb/posts/30718.html


I'm going to miss you Tom!
Robert Fonda
can't say

Social climber
Pasadena CA
Apr 7, 2006 - 09:07am PT
OMFG no, damn, this is such sad news. Tom was a wonderful person, full of life and humor. RIP Tom

rlf

Trad climber
Josh, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Apr 7, 2006 - 09:18am PT
I had just talked with Tom about 3 weeks ago when he told me his cancer was back. I hate saying this, but I'm glad he went quickly and didn't suffer for a long period of time.

See ya Tom! Tucker and I will drink a few beers for ya today! and the next, and the next, and the next....
Tan Slacks

Social climber
Joshua Tree
Apr 7, 2006 - 09:36am PT
A really great and KIND man has gone. He only met my wife and daughter once and they always commented on how nice he was to them. He was a blast to climb and hang with.

You will be missed Tom. RIP
todd-gordon

climber
Apr 7, 2006 - 09:58am PT
I can't imagine any sadder news. I am overcome with grief...
de eee

Mountain climber
Tustin
Apr 7, 2006 - 11:34am PT
I too am overcome with grief. I was looking forward to seeing Tom at KP's soon.
Karen

Trad climber
Good question?
Apr 7, 2006 - 11:36am PT
OMG...he was such a nice guy, I can't believe this. My condolances to his family and loved ones.

looking sketchy there...

Social climber
Latitute 33
Apr 7, 2006 - 01:09pm PT
This is deeply sad news. Tom was a great person, kind, generous, fun, always a pleasure to run into. and motivated to get out and actually go cragging (and brewskis) all the time.

His smile and lighthearted sense of humor will be fondly remembered.

Maybe commemorative ascents of some of his FAs in Josh is in order.
Russ Walling

Social climber
Same place as you, man...... (WB)
Apr 7, 2006 - 02:28pm PT
Long live Burke-ulese! He was a good man.
sandsnow

Social climber
SoCal
Apr 7, 2006 - 03:28pm PT
Good times were guaranteed with Tom

Tom's humor could keep you in stitches, endlessly

Sadly, Tom was my friend for way too short of a time

He would call me a loser over some bonehead move and the next minute put his arm around me and tell you how glad he was to have me as a friend.

I'll see you again Thomas and you better have a beer waiting for me and the ropes flaked out

Larry




de eee

Mountain climber
Tustin
Apr 7, 2006 - 06:30pm PT
One of the classic storys Tom told me was of his ascent of The Matterhorn. Yes, he climbed the real effing Matterhorn. Alot of people get their butts dragged up the big M but Tom and Reagan did it on their own. Not just that, but the conditions were bad at the time and the guides they passed on the way up were incredulous that they were going for it.The were told not to go for it. They were told that they were crazy. They bagged it with dicey climbing and minimal pro, had the summit to themselves and proceded proudly down, laughing in the face of those alpine pussies. Yeah buddy, way to go.

They also climbed Mt Kenya in Africa on their own. Both of these climbs I was supremely jealous of.

Fluoride

Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
Apr 7, 2006 - 07:03pm PT
This makes me very sad. Some of the most memorable days I've had in JT were with Todd, Tucker and Burkey out doing FA's. He was always great for a laugh, a fun story, and great company. He had a great spirit.

I can't believe he went so fast. He was just recovering from that other injury, I was stoked we'd be seeing him out on the rock again soon with us. I heard the cancer was back but damn.....so fukking fast.

Todd/Robert - you guys are in my thoughts. Tucker too.

sandsnow

Social climber
SoCal
Apr 8, 2006 - 05:29pm PT
Services for Tom

Mary Star of the Sea Parish
7669 Girard Ave
La Jolla
858-454-2631

1pm

Tuesday April 11th

larry
todd-gordon

climber
Apr 14, 2006 - 10:14am PT
I attended Tom's memorial service. I am 51 years old, and this is the 2nd funeral/memorial I have ever been to....(My parents told us funerals were for adults only, and I have only been an adult for a short time.....climbers have a LONG adolescense period). There were hundreds of people (In La Jolla, Ca.), and his influence and scope of friends was great. His brother and one of his main climbing partners spoke elequently of Tom, and had many funny touching stories about Tom. It is hard to tell a story of Tom without it being funny;....Tom was the jokester. Afterwards, the family rented out a nearby pub , and people ate and drank much. As sad a service as it was for many, it did have a jovial side to it too. Tom would have approved of the jokes, the beautiful women at the service, and, of course, the free booze and grub. Rest well, my friend. We miss you.
Todd Gordon

Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
Jul 23, 2007 - 02:20am PT

A great Man.

Todd Gordon

Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
Jul 23, 2007 - 02:34am PT
Todd Gordon

Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
Jul 23, 2007 - 02:36am PT


Todd Gordon

Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
Jul 23, 2007 - 11:35am PT
Blitzo

Social climber
Earth
Jul 23, 2007 - 11:37am PT







RIP, Tom! We miss you.
Todd Gordon

Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
Jul 24, 2007 - 03:10am PT

Boney Fingers......T. Burke bad-ass mo fo climber;....climbed on all continents.
Messages 1 - 20 of total 28 in this topic << First  |  < Previous  |  Show All  |  Next >  |  Last >>
Return to Forum List
 
Our Guidebooks
spacerCheck 'em out!
SuperTopo Guidebooks

guidebook icon
Try a free sample topo!

 
SuperTopo on the Web

Recent Route Beta