In Loving Memory of T. Patrick Burke, Th.D., Ph.D.
b. March 16, 1934, d. February 23, 2021
Th.D, Ph.D -- Those were the letters after his name.
When I first met Patrick, I was scared of him. Tall and distinguished-looking, he held two doctorates, was a retired professor, had written several books and even had started his own philosophical institute. I felt a loss for words. How could I talk with Patrick when I didn’t begin to have his educational and philosophical prowess? Yet he never came across as arrogant. He always was kind to me.
Our friendship developed slowly. Just a friendly 'hello' after church. Then someone organized a book signing party for him, to recognize his newly published work on social justice. He approached me after church to invite me to the “paahty.”
Patrick was
Australian. His accent only added to his
ethereal presence. Surely… he didn’t
mean… “potty??!” I hesitated, then I
realized what he was saying. Yes, of
course I’d be honored to attend.
My husband and I picked up a bottle of wine. No connoisseur of wine, I’m sure our gift was the epitome of supermarket normal.
But Patrick accepted it graciously, giving no indication that its vintage might be inferior to that of which he was accustomed.
As the years turned over, our conversations became less
stilted. He once shared how disappointed
he was never to have had children, and how it took years to recover from his
wife’s untimely death, that he once was featured in Time Magazine, and how it was the beautiful music that brought him back to the Church.
For some reason as he neared eighty, Patrick fell into
financial trouble. He lost his home, the
institute closed and he moved to a residential care facility run by Little
Sisters of the Poor. But that didn’t
stop him from giving lectures, attending daily mass, and finding happiness in his own
place.
Patrick called me last summer. He sounded happy, telling me how much he had
loved my parents, and encouraging me to call him -- understanding that I had a busy
life. He ended the conversation with these words,
“You always were one of my favorite people.”
And those were the last words he said to me.
Months passed, a couple of seasons. I heard that he’d fallen and hit his head
and was living in a different care facility.
Covid restrictions prohibited visits, and I didn’t get organized enough
to call him. The news of his passing was
a surprise, but not completely, given his age and deteriorating health.
Today was his funeral and I’m reminded of his gift to me in
those last words, “You always were one of my favorite people.” Along the inroads of life and the inevitable
challenges that arise, Patrick’s words offer a warm blanket to
my cold shoulders. He was indeed a Th.D,
Ph.D, six letters that say a lot. But to
me, he was six letters that say even more: friend.
Requiescat in pace, Patrick.
Obituary of Thomas Patrick Burke, Th.D., Ph.D. - The Wynnewood Institute
