LUSH, Burke Edward Lush

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Burke Edward Lush on September 15, 2025, at the age of 55.  Burke was enjoying a bike ride on a beautiful sunny day when he passed.

Burke was a loving husband to his best friend Karen O’Brien, who he was blessed to meet through mutual friends in their university days, and an amazing father to Patrick and Caillen.  When Burke spoke of his children, he lit up. He was so proud of them and was always their greatest cheerleader.  He took great pride in watching Caillen follow her acting pursuits, and in witnessing Patrick follow in dad’s footsteps, embarking on his Bachelor of Education degree.  Burke is also dearly missed by his sister Sarah, his nieces Michelle and Megan, and their children.  He is the cherished son-in-law of Joan and Earl O’Brien and treasured brother-in-law of Jennifer O’Brien.  Burke also leaves behind Aunt Jean and cousins Kevin, Cheryl, Dwayne, Trish, DeeDee, and their children.

Born in Oshawa to Colleen Hutchinson and Bruce Lush, Burke graduated from Bowmanville High School Class of 1989 and from Queen’s University Concurrent Education Class of 1994.  Burke’s high school and university friends are still some of his closest friends.  As goalie for the Clarington Toros hockey team who won All Ontario in his juvenile year, Burke was proudly inducted (or as he joked, “induced”) into the Clarington Sports Hall of Fame.

Colleen and Bruce both taught (and Bruce was principal) at various schools throughout KPR.  Enthusiastically following in their footsteps, Burke dedicated his career to teaching and coaching elementary school students, starting at MJ Hobbs Public School (where his mom once taught), then Waverly Public and Norwood District Intermediate Schools.  In 2003, Burke landed at Queen Mary Public School, where he worked until his retirement in 2023.  In his 30 year career, Burke touched the lives of countless students.  He was known and respected for his firm but fair demeanour in the classroom, and for giving his time through extra-curricular activities at school.  He coached track and field, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and could often be found telling his students to “put down their pina coladas, get off their lawn chairs, and play”.  Burke continued volunteering into his retirement, judging at KPR Science Fair, coaching track and field at Queen Mary, and officiating at elementary track meets. Burke collected dear friends from each school with whom he taught.

Burke was very active and socially connected.  He was friends with everyone he met.  Known as the Mayor of the Neighbourhood, you’d see his exuberant wave when you passed in your car.  You’d never be able to judge how long his dog walks would take, given that he always stopped to talk with everyone along the way.  Burke was the friend who was always there when you needed help with any task, big or small.  His favourite pastimes were playing hockey and golf with buddies, kayaking our beautiful lakes, spending time at the cottage, and travelling with his family. Burke and his extended family recently enjoyed a wonderful two week trip to Sweden for a family reunion.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE, 2510 Bensfort Road, Peterborough. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 12:30 pm in the Queen Mary Public School Auditorium, 1445 Monaghan Road, Peterborough.