It is with great sadness that we share news of the untimely death of Michael Bourke August 23 due to complications following a surgery. He is survived by his daughter Ariella Taylor and partner Pamela Murphy and will be greatly missed by his brother Steven and sister-in-law Margaret, sister Julia and her husband Peter Clark and two children Emory and Olivia Shaw.
Michael was born February 5, 1951 in Montreal, Quebec, second son of Mitchell Bourke and Barbara Brown, and attended public school where he was a popular, stellar student and athlete. He eagerly took on projects such as a hip coffee house in old Montreal, ‘The Mother Earth Cafe’, and a small commune in the Laurentians centered on a geodesic dome inspired by Buckminster Fuller, before enrolling in Carleton’s School of Architecture for 1 year. He then made his way out west, like many adventurers of his era, looking for an authentic lifestyle and meaningful community. After living in Nelson and Vancouver, Michael found his safe harbour on Salt Spring Island.
Michael was a master carpenter and serious sculptor, but music and poetry were his biggest pleasures. He channeled his joy into jamming with friends and expressed his observations about the meaning of life as a rapper and master of wordplay. He was a caring father, uncle and friend, well known as a generous host with a ready harmonica eager to welcome those who sought his company.
In many ways Michael was larger than life with his imposing height and quick wit, his passion and energy, his loving heart, and especially his profound connection to the spiritual world. He was very principled (way ahead of his time with regard to vegetarianism, for instance) and sometimes made others uncomfortable with his high standards: that was the preacher in him! Something he came by naturally with ministers on both sides of the family, Bourke and Brown! This latter fact might bring solace to those of us left behind, but the great space he filled in our lives also makes his absence harder to bear.
An upbeat celebration of life will be held Sunday, Oct 26 at Brinkworthy Place’s clubhouse: 135 Brinkworthy Rd. Doors open at 1:30pm with an open mic for tributes to Michael from 2-2:45pm and live music from 3-4pm. Musician friends are welcome to bring instruments for an open jam starting after 4pm. Some food and drink will be provided, but potluck style is encouraged.
Michael was a very good friend to me when I lived on SSI from 1994 till 1996. He possessed a great creative spirit. I remember his deep baritone voice and the wordplay he shared and enjoyed so much. My condolences to his family and friends.
I felt I knew Michael somewhat, never having met him, as Pam always spoke lovingly of him. It was good to know how happy she was, having met a man she could totally relate to, someone that ‘was truly a comfortable fit’. I am deeply saddened for the most unfortunate turn of events and can’t imagine how painful the unexpected loss to be. My heart goes out to you Pam, as well as to all of Michael’s family.
Gladys Gibson