Robert C. Bob Burky, age 66, of Dale Avenue, Shelby, died unexpectedly Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at Med Central Shelby Hospital.
He was born June 20, 1941 in Shelby the son of the late Charles and Martha (Schwert) Burky. He was a 1959 graduate of Shelby High School. Bob started his working career as a mechanic at Burky Marathon in Shelby and had also worked at Bud Young Chevrolet, Hicks and Martin, and Montgomery Ward. He was the owner of Burky Tire in Shelby. His store on Mohican Street handled new, used and recycled tires along with handmade Amish Furniture.
When Bob's children were young he coached softball and Little League baseball, but it was his daughter Kim's involvement in the Shelby Whippet Band, in the seventh grade, that would prove to be Bob's first love. Bob volunteered countless hours of dedicated service to all aspects of the band program. He served as Band Boosters President and transported all the band instruments and equipment to all performances of the Shelby Band both locally, and out of state, for the past 25 years.
Bob was an auxiliary police officer in Shelby for 13 years, the last ten serving as captain. He served on Shelby City council representing the third ward, a position he has held since 1992. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church
He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Spoljarick) Burky whom he wed on May 26, 1962; son, Bob and Kimberly A. Burky of Shelby; 2 daughters, Kimberly S. Burky of Columbus and Laurie and Frank Vosicky of Painesville; a granddaughter, Meridan Vosicky with another grandchild due in November; a sister, Donna and Delmar George Sturts of Mansfield.
Friends may call on Thursday, August 30, 2007, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 10:30 AM at First Lutheran Church with Rev. Steven C. Bond officiating. The Shelby Whippet Marching Band will lead the funeral procession to Oakland Cemetery in Shelby where Bob will be laid to rest. Memorial expressions may be made to the Shelby Whippet Band or the family. The family would appreciate on-line condolences at
penwellfuneralhome.com/
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Julie and Jason Hunter
Condolence:
Dear Kim and family,
We are so terribly sorry for your unexpected loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.
Love, Jason and Julie
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Laura Sifferlin
Condolence:
I’m thinking of you with my deepest sympathy. I’m so grateful to have known your “Dad” / “Husband” for all these years. I will remember all the times, from delivering newspapers when I was 10, to photographing your family just this past year. I wish you comfort and peace.
Laura
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Family_of: Robert C. Burky
Your_Name: Mick & Josie
Condolence:
Barb, Bob, Kim & laurie – I am so shocked and sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Words just seem so inadequate, but I want you to know that there will be many to here to help you through this period. We all feel te loss and share in your grief. I know that Bob has moved on to a much better place and all the pains and ills of this world are now a thing of the past for him. Bob will be loved and remembered by me for the rest of my days.
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Don Gies
Condolence:
Dearest Burky Family,
I am shocked to hear of the passing of Bob. He was such a great man, and was a huge influence in my life growing up. He always gave of himself, no matter what the cost. He always made me laugh and was willing to teach me lessons as a person, not just some high-school kid. He never pulled any punches and told it like it is. I will miss him terribly. Please know that the entire Burky family is in my prayers. I guess God needed a good mechanic.
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Family_of: Robert C. ” Bob ” Burky
Your_Name: Bill and Pat Dittoe
Condolence:
We send our sincere condolences at the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. May you find support and peace in God’s bountiful love.
Bill & Pat
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Don & Mary Pope
Condolence:
Barb,Kimberly,Bob & Laurie
I was schocked as were Charles and Jean Bricker. I’ll miss his
e-mail and sending him e-mail. All I can say is keep your chin
up. And May God bless you all….
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Family_of: Bob burky
Your_Name: Skip Faulkner
Condolence:
Dear Barb and family I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.I always considered Bob a good Friend and a gentleman.Bob did much for the community and will missed greatly.
Skip & Pat Faulkner
bradenton florida
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Family_of: BOB BURKY
Your_Name: JON AND LINDA STENTZ
Condolence:
TO THE BURKY FAMILY ,
WE WOULD LIKE EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL . IT WAS A SHOCK TO HEAR THAT BOB HAD PASSED AWAY. CHERISH THE MEMORIIES YOU HAVE OF YOUR HUSBAND ,DAD,AND GRANDFATHER. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU IN A VERY SPECIAL WAY DURING THIS DIFFICUILT TIME .
JON AND LINDA STENTZ
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Audrey & Tony Ginter
Condolence:
Barb, Laurie, Bob, Kim – and your families
We are all saddened by the news of Bob’s passing. An Alumnus of the Shelby Whippet Band, I have distinct memories of Bob loading up the truck with our instruments to transport for various activities. He was always there, and as a teenager, I didn’t truly recognize and appreciate the many hours that Bob – and your entire family – dedicated to us kids. Bob blessed this community in many ways and will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you honor and remember Bob, and begin your personal journey without his earthly presence. God Bless…. Audrey & Tony Ginter
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: The Wheeler’s
Condolence:
Dear Burky Family,
We just learned of Mr.Burky’s passing and we wanted to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family. My “band memories” are of his friendly personality and willingness to always help out. Even long after I was out of his school, he always gave a friendly greeting to me.
He (and Howie) definately made the road trip to Disney trip memorable because he sat behind my best friend & I and kept us entertained.
Justin & Stephanie (Reed) Wheeler & family
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Randy and Brooke Burkhhalter
Condolence:
Words cannot express how shocked and sorry we are to hear of Bob’s passing. Your family as well as the community has truly lost a dear man. So many memories of Bob’s smiling face at softball games, band functions, and just around town will be greatly missed. I will miss his ability and willingness to make time to listen and of course his infectious laugh. Bob spent his entire life making others happy and looking out for the little people. Please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you celebrate Bob’s life.
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Andrea and Korey Brown
Condolence:
Kim-
Just wanted to let you know that you and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers.
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Family_of: The Dauer’s
Your_Name: Patrice Dauer
Condolence:
Dear Kim and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your sudden lost. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
God Bless
Patrice, Duane, Elaina, and Mateah
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Frank Lattimore
Condolence:
Dear Kim and Burky Family,
Please know how sorry I am for your loss. It tears me up to even try to imagine what you’re going through. Though I don’t have much I can say to bring comfort, you can be assured that the Lord is an ever-present Friend who will walk through your grief with you. Seek Him and He’ll respond. I’m praying for you.
God bless and keep you.
With Love,
Frank Lattimore
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: John and Donna Helinski
Condolence:
Barb and Family…..
John and I are so sad to hear of Bob’s passing. We all knew what a great human being Bob was to the Shelby Community—and all our kids. There are few people who give of themselves so others can enjoy growing and learning. Bob was one of those people. The kids knew if Bob was there—everything was just fine. What a fine example to our youth.
Our memories of sports and band remain in our hearts — and the hearts of our kids. When Bob is remembered–it will be with love and smiles.
I know your faith will help with this loss. Thank you for sharing your husband and father with the Shelby people. Our lives are all better because of Bob’s work. Our prayers are with you all.
God Bless…..John and Donna Helinski
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Teedi (Myers) Rouse
Condolence:
Barb, Bob, Kim, and Laurie:
Gosh, what do I even say? I remember him being “everywhere” when we were in band….from handing out hot dogs and pop after half-time (and giving us extras!!), to the newspaper drives we were “forced” to work in, but we ended up having so much fun because he was there! He was always joking around and was just a wonderful person, and so fun to be around. He will be missed so much by so many people. I wanted SO much to be there tonight and tomorrow, but please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and lots and lots of hugs,
Teedi, Greg, Heather, Brendan, and Gabe
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Kathy Eaken
Condolence:
May the memories of the unselfish Christian service to the entire Shelby community especially the Shelby Marching Band inspire others to follow their dreams and give back to others as Bob Burky Sr. has done in his lifetime.
Who is going to step up and fill the shoes of Bob’s example? One person can accomplish so much! Go Shelby! Now’s the time! We need more good people.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Burky family.
Tearfully,
Kathy Eaken
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Family_of: Robert Burky
Your_Name: Debbie Adkins
Condolence:
Barb,
I am sorry for your loss. Bob will be missed. I enjoyed working with him when I was a band officer. My prayers are with you and your family.
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Matt Mitchell
Condolence:
Dear Burky Family,
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Bob was a great man and a real gift to his community. He will be sorely missed.
May you experience the peace of Christ as you grieve.
In His Grip,
-Matt Mitchell
Former SHS Band Drum Major
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: John Reardon
Condolence:
Bob,
I am so sad to hear about your passing. If ever I got a kick in the pants as a teenager, it was from you. …and I love you for it. I just finished a succesfull 13 years in the Marine Corps, and I owe most of it to you. You were the biggest encouragement to me to get my young life straight…and I love you like a father. I have often told my Marines about you because you have always been my hero. I miss spending 12 hours a day picking up the ol’ car tires with you. We had so many adventures together, huh? Even when I was home on leave, I still helped you out with the tire business cause I love you so much. Even though I haven’t been home since 2000, I am happy that at least I got to call you several times. I was looking forward to seeing you again when I come home, but unfortunately after active duty, I came straight to Gifu, Japan where I now live with my wife and 2 sons. I will be sure to pass on your leadership to my sons. Thank you, Bob, for being like a father to me. I will miss eating at Kenny Rodger’s Rosters with you. I love you.
John Reardon
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: The Detillion’s
Condolence:
Bob and families,
We are so sorry for your loss.
God Bless you All
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Tonja (Bertke) Cook
Condolence:
Kim, To you and the rest of your family, I was sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Please know that you guys are in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds as if your dad has been very busy giving of himself, I think that’s awesome. Please take care of each other.
Tonja
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Debbie & Todd Hardesty
Condolence:
Dear Kim & Family,
So saddened by the passing of your father and husband — our hearts and prayers go out to all of you.
Simply put, he was one in a million … or maybe a billion. They just don’t make ’em like Bob Burky very often!!
God Bless!
Debbie & Todd
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Michele (Eaken) Jakutowicz
Condolence:
Our love and prayers go out to the entire Burky family. God bless.
Chris and Michele (Eaken) Jakutowicz
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Family_of: Bob Burky
Your_Name: Bill & Joan Sexton
Condolence:
Our sincere condolences to Barb Burky and family. We remember Bob as a kind and generous person, willing to help anyone.
Bob cared so much for others during the flood of August 21, 2007, even though he was not feeling well. He called us that evening to see if we were okay.
He called us again the following Saturday. We were distressed to learn he had pneumonia but he assured us he would be all right. Since Joan was his 1959 classmate; she called back that evening to check on him. It was our last goodbye to a very kind person.
Bob passed away on our 42nd wedding anniversary, one we will always remember. We will miss him and the Shelby community will miss him. May he rest in peace.