Charles “Charlie” William Burkey, aged 87 passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 4th
2024 at the Cypress Regional Hospital with his girls by his side.
Charlie was born September 9th 1936 to Terry & Lena Catherine Burkey in Alexandria,
PA, USA. At the young age of 17 Charlie left home to serve his country in The United States
Armed Forces and the Korean War (1953-1959). From there Charlie moved to Canada where
he met the love of his life, Verna Melnyk, they sealed their love with marriage on March 28th
1964 in Winchestor Virginia. After living in The Pas, MB for a little over 12 years they made the
move to Kyle, SK where Charlie took ownership of The Kyle Hotel from 1977-1985. When it was
time to slow down Charles and his family moved and finally settled in Swift Current, SK on their
dream acreage.
During his lifetime Charles was blessed with his children; Donna, Charlie, Gloria, Jimmy,
Raymond, Tracey & Barbara. He worked in many different fields (ambulance driver, school bus
driver, roofer) but his passion was driving truck, whether hauling gravel, heavy equipment or hot
shot runs Charlie drove semi until he no longer could. His love for trucking would never compare
to the love he had of raising his two granddaughters with Verna, their girls were everything.
Wherever Charlie would go he either knew the person from “many moons ago” or would
strike up a conversation; he made friends far and wide. Charlie had hidden humour that would
make anyone laugh, he loved being mischievous, he had the biggest heart for his pets, he loved
his family and he lived his life to the fullest. For that and many, many other reasons Charlie will
be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. We will miss you like a toothache Gramps.
Charles is survived by his children: Barbara Burkey (Regina, SK), Jimmy (Leslie) Burkey
(West VA), Donna Rupert (USA), his grandchildren Victoria (Blake) Burkey (Swift Current, SK),
Charlene (Dustin) Burkey (Campbell River, BC), Natasha (Tanner) Wollman (Moose Jaw, SK),
Tyson Lang (Swift Current, SK). His great-granddaughters Raylen & Callie Rae, his siblings;
Donald. R (Georgette), Clyde. R (Freda), Tommy. L (Margaret), Jean Showalter and Judy Gill.
Charles was predeceased by his parents Terry & Lena Burkey; his step-mother Mary Elizabeth Burkey; his beloved wife Verna Burkey; his children Charlie, Raymond, Gloria, Tracey. His siblings; Terry. O Burkey and M. Pauline Burkey.
A celebration of life for Charlie Burkey will take place on Saturday May 11, 2024 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Hall – 1910 South Service Road West, Swift Current. All who knew him over the years are welcome to join.
Memorial donations can be made to local mental health organizations.
Arrangements entrusted to ; Warren’s Funeral Home , for further information please call 306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.
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