To the Burke Family.....
My name is Harry Sims and I'm the oldest grandson of Purdue Intercollegiate Sports Hall of Famer Harry "The Hurricane" Szulborksi; (Purdue Football 1946-1949). To the Burke family I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Burke was taken too soon! When my grandfather was inducted in the Purdue Sports Hall of fame in 2004, Mr Burke was so gracious to my grandfather and did everything top-notch! My grandfather was a very big fan of Mr. Burke and had a lot of respect for him!
When my grandfather passed away in August of 2017, I spoke to Mr. Burke briefly about his passing. Mr. Burke sent a beautiful set of flowers to his wake and had someone at the University write a touching tribute to him online. Mr. Burke even visited my grandfathers obituary online and wrote a touching tribute of him. What a touching and respectful thing to do...… to pay tribute to a man who hasn't played football for Purdue since 1949!
So its my honor to return that tribute to him! Thank you Mr. Burke for everything you have done for Purdue University and my family! You have represented Purdue University with distinction!
To the Burke family, my thoughts and well wishes for you all for the years to come.
To the family of Morgan Burke: Morgan was in grad school and assistant coach of the Purdue Swim Team when I met him my freshman year in 1974. Morgan took interest in me, even though I was not a star of the swim team. He was a true leader, a very genuine person, and a joy to be around. Thirty years after graduating from Purdue, I was at the Purdue golf facility with my daughter, who was an incoming freshman. We came across Morgan, who recognized me, and said, "Hi Dave". I couldn't believe that he recognized me, remembered my name, and took the time to stop and get reacquainted. My daughter was very excited to meet the Purdue Athletic Director. If Morgan made a genuine connection with me, how many lives were impacted by Morgan over his lifetime? I will never forget what an amazing man his was. I am saddened by his passing. My prayers are with Morgan's family. May you be comforted in this time of great loss. Sincerely yours, Dave Dickmeyer
Kate,
Marty and I send our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Morgan. We have kept you in our thoughts and prayers.
I moved to this community in 2006 and fell in love with Purdue Athletics immediately, even though I did not attend Purdue. As a child and college student I was a competitive swimmer, and I so appreciated the gorgeous Aquatic facility that was built at Purdue just before I moved here. It was like heaven to be able to swim in a world class facility and be surrounded by such greatness. But more importantly, I came to realize over the 10 years before Mr. Burke retired just how committed he was to the Purdue family. I saw him at swim meets and other events, showing his support for all. My perception is that this is rare. Most Athletic Directors seem to only care about football and basketball. Also rare, I believe, was his genuine personality. He just barely knew me by name, and likely knew not much more than my name, but he was always so congenial when I ran into him at the pool. I am so sorry to hear of his death, and I wish all in his family comfort at this time.
Morgan was my comic relief. He made me laugh every time he called me. He was the sweetest man and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kate, I was so sad to hear about Morgan. He was such a kind person who will be missed. You and your family our in my thoughts and prayers. Take care
Kate and family, Our thoughts and prayers for all the family as you mourn the loss of Morgan. He was always at Purdue events with a friendly handshake and broad smile. We will miss him. His legacy lives on in his beautiful family. RIP Morgan.
Fred & Karma Boyd
Dear Kate, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and Morgan were so close and I always enjoyed watching you two interact as one whether you were on the golf course or at athletic events or just out in public. It was obvious you two were best friends. I have that experience in my marriage too. Please accept Mary Jo’s and I condolences. I will miss seeing and talking to Morgan. He was a good guy. ?? Bob
Joanie and I are very sorry to hear of Morgan's passing. Doesn't seem real. Many happy memories over many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family in your time of sorrow and celebration of his life. Very fortunate to have been a friend over these years. Thanks for your friendship. All the best in your future.
Kate, We were very saddened to hear of Morgan's passing. We have so many
great memories of being on campus and you and Morgan always made us feel
special. We hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs, Chuck and Anna Mae Miller
Dear Kate and family,
We are beyond sad that Morgan has left this earth much too soon. Tom would have his own memories, by my limited memories are ones of kindness and enthusiasm for all things Purdue and for life. Kate, I'm so glad you shared your love story in the obituary. It was so much fun to read about. Thank you! I was highly aware of Morgan's deep faith, and maybe that is how I will most remember him, and in the end, it is what is most important. May God grant you peace of heart at his passing, knowing that you will see him again on the other side.
With much love.....Tom and Chris Turpin
Dearest Kate and family, Joel and I offer our deepest sympathy at the loss of a wonderful husband and father. May God be with you. Debra McKinney Parkhurst & Joel McKinney
My few times of being with Morgan Burke and his family were very memorable. Getting to know one of his children very well also provided a window into how wonderful of a father he always was. I am enjoying reading the articles of former Purdue players who were always amazed at how Morgan made the effort to remember them despite the staggering number of athletes who have come and gone through the many years he was the AD. A great man who has left us much too early. My heart goes out to all of the Burke family.
Kate and family,
I have been grieving Morgan's passing since I first heard of it on Monday.
While we were on campus together, likely taking some classes together in Krannert, and both in fraternities, I don't know that we met then. Memorably though, I met Morgan at a Purdue Club of Chicago luncheon soon after he was named Athletic Director, when I had the privilege of sitting with him that day in 1993. I came away knowing that Purdue Athletics would be in good hands. That proved to be true over the next 23 years and I greatly admired Morgan's work, and particularly for accessibility and willingness to listen to others. He made everyone around him feel and know that they personally mattered to him.
While I had the occasion to speak or meet with Morgan throughout his career, I will always be most grateful to Morgan for his caring work five years ago. My brother Eric, a former Purdue baseball pitcher, also a Fiji, had passed away suddenly at age 51 from an undetected brain aneurysm. I called Morgan looking for help in notifying my brother's teammates. He returned my phone call immediately from his car and assured me that not only would Eric's teammates be informed, but that Purdue would be represented at the funeral that weekend at St. Pius Church. We were all greatly comforted to see Purdue represented there in person and by a beautiful black and gold wreath. Even more comforting to me were Morgan's words of consolation, that we are all in God's hands, and from that, I take comfort that Morgan is even closer to God now than during his all-too-short life on this earth.
People will always remember Morgan's many contributions to Purdue, but I will remember him most for his care for others, no matter their walk in life.
May God comfort and bless Morgan and you.
To Kate, Anne and I send our condolences to your and your family. I knew Morgan from Inland Steel. He was dedicated to his job as well as a great people person both then and as Athletic Director.at Purdue. He was so proud to tell me that his daughter was studying , graduated and got a job as a Materials Engr. He will be missed by all.
To Kate and Patrick and the rest of the Burke family. Beth and I are saddened by Morgan’s passing. He was a classy, caring, and great man. Yes, part of his legacy is tied to Purdue athletics, but his biggest legacy is his wonderful family. Beth and I have you all in our prayers. Patrick, you are one of my guys, and I am so proud of you. I love you. If we can help in any way, please feel free to ask.
My thoughts and prayers are with Kate and family - Morgan was a great Athletic Director. He was always say Hi to whoever. Please take are of yourself.
My thoughts and prayers are with Kate and family - Morgan was a great Athletic Director. He was always say Hi to whoever. Please take are of yourself.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. I had the honor of working in the Purdue athletic department under the leadership of Morgan. His contributions to Purdue athletes and the many students athletes lives he touched will live on for many generations. He was not only my boss but my friend. God Bless and Rest In Piece
Mark T. Beck
Kate and family, this is from one of the dozens of Morgan’s Bradley cousins, I’m the oldest of his Aunt Barbara’s three kids. So sad to hear of his passing. Although it’s been quite a while since last direct contact with him, I’ve been aware of Morgan’s incredible contribution to Purdue athletics over the years. Reading the recent tributes from the people he interacted with there, from both coaching staff and athletes, rings true from my memories of our time together as kids and young adults. Please be well and be in touch if you find yourselves passing through Vermont.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kate and family, this is from one of the dozens of Morgan’s Bradley cousins, I’m the oldest of his Aunt Barbara’s three kids. So sad to hear of his passing. Although it’s been quite a while since last direct contact with him, I’ve been aware of Morgan’s incredible contribution to Purdue athletics over the years. Reading the recent tributes from the people he interacted with there, from both coaching staff and athletes, rings true from my memories of our time together as kids and young adults. Please be well and be in touch if you find yourselves passing through Vermont.
Our deepest condolences to Kate and the family. Morgan's accomplishments will be enjoyed by students for literally decades into the future. His work to add dozens of campus improvements are instantly visible for anyone that steps foot on the campus. What a legacy!! The entire Purdue community celebrates your great contributions!! On a more personal level, Paula and I will miss our friendship with you. We know you are in a much better place and we can continue to count on our biggest Purdue fan to cheer on the Boilers from up high! Boiler Up! Hammer Down! Go Purdue!
Kate, may the Lord bless you and your family with comfort to ease the pain. My sincerest sympathy for your loss. As a fellow colleague at Purdue, I admired and very much respected Morgan and his approach to work and life. I will miss seeing him in the pews at St. Tom's. May his soul rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathies to Kate and all of the Burke family. We will remember him for his deep devotion to friends, family, and of course Purdue where his contributions will be seen for generations of Purdue faithful. Most of all we will remember the warmth and generosity he showed us on our many Purdue visits. We miss him.
Our deepest sympathy to Kate and family. We are forever grateful how Morgan treated our family and the care that he took with the legacy of my Grandfather Coach Sam Voinoff. Morgan will be in good hands as Sam and Red will be with him until we can be with them again. Morgan was a wonderful man, one in a million, he will be missed.
-Eric Ross
Our deepest sympathy to Kate and family. Morgan was a wonderful man, always a kind word and a big smile. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
In memory of Morgan J. Burke, Jeffrey Lawrence Crecelius lit a candle
In memory of Morgan J. Burke, Steve Baker lit a candle
Morgan contribution to Purdue athletics and Purdue community deserves respect and appreciation. He was a visionary leader and a positive leader. Working across the university offices, Morgan could be counted upon. He and Kate brought so much to our Greater Lafayette community. Grateful for. He will be missed. Morgan
My husband passed in November 2019 due to amyloidosis. My heartfelt sympathy for all you have endured this past year. You have lost a wonderful husband and father. I will keep your entire family in my prayers.
Kate and family, we were saddened to hear about Morgan’s passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Morgan was a great guy and will be missed by so many. Tom and Kay (Morrissey) Mauch
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.