Obituary of Alexander Sean Burke

BURKE, Alexander Sean - On Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at the age of 18. Beloved son of Joan Shand and special family friend Tony Smits, Bright's Grove and Sean Burke & his fiancé Gigi Walent, Sarnia. Dearly loved brother of Adam Burke, his homie, Sarnia. Predeceased by grandparents Joseph and Kathleen Burke and grandparents Joan and Scotty Shand. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He will be missed by Kyle and Justin Moore of Bright’s Grove who were so pleased for Alex's new beginning in his life and how proud they were of him.  Alex was an extraordinary young man who's life had only just begun when it ended. His dream was to complete his doctorate in neuroscience, and he had just taken his first big steps to that goal. A naturalist, he enjoyed hiking and fishing, and had recently completed a week long canoe trip through the Elora Gorge. All who knew Alex also knew he was an avid computer enthusiast and was very skilled in the area. He was often found late at night playing the World of Warcraft game on one screen, while conversing with friends on the other. Alex's smile brightened every room he entered, and his wit was a delight to experience. He always had that impish light in his eyes that let you know something funny was going to escape him and have you laughing. He was always there for his friends to lean on and would help anyone; he learned this from his brother whom he admired with an intensity of love that few brothers ever get to experience. Adam was his homie, his best friend and the person he knew would always tell it the way he needed to hear it. He thought his brother was the most amazing person he was blessed to have met, and was even more proud that he was HIS brother. Adam loved his brother with a fierce protective loving acceptance that was a gift to watch. His heart and soul was a beautiful experience to those he allowed in. He will be greatly missed by all. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Alex's life will be held at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 11 a.m. and will be officiated by Allan McKeown. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to Sarnia-Lambton Rebound, 10 Lorne Cres., Sarnia N7S 1H8, Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton Kent, 210 Lochiel Street, Sarnia N7T 4C7 or St. Clair Child and Youth Services, 129 Kendall St., Pt. Edward N7V 4G6. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com A tree will be planted in memory of Alex Burke in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 15th, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area