Passed peacefully at home on Sept 21, 2017 in his 78th year. Johnny will be deeply missed by his loving wife Teresa and her children Vanessa ( Mike, granddaughter Lena) and Devon ( Katie), sons Donald, Dennis and John ( Camille), and his twelve siblings.
Johnny Burke was born Jean Paul Bourque in Rosaireville, New Brunswick but made his professional debut in Toronto in the early 60’s. After a two year stint at The Drake Hotel he spent four years at the famous Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto backing up various Nashville acts. Johnny had the pleasure to work as part of the back up band/ MC on several long running television shows including ‘Country Music Hall’ with Carl Smith, ‘At The Caribou’ and ‘ Funny Farm’. Johnny and his band, then renamed, Eastwind, enjoyed a seven year engagement on the syndicated Opry North Radio Show. Eastwind has won instrumental group of the year three times and Johnny’s ‘Wild Honey’ was named single of the year in 1978. The only artist chosen from all of Canada to represent his country, Johnny attended Fanfair in 1987. He also performed on the Grand Ole Opry, ‘Wrap Around Nashville’ and ‘Nashville Now’. 2005 saw him inducted into the New Brunswick Country Music Hall Of Fame. The highlight of his career was in 2012 with his induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. In addition to performing, Johnny was a talented master cabinetmaker and wood worker. His fine furniture creations and cabinetry grace many a home in Ontario.
Visitation will be held at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre, 930 Burnham St., Cobourg, Ontario between 4-8:00pm on Oct 5th.
For those offering assistance: Johnny Burke GoFundMe.com