Edmond W. Burke

Sept 7, 1935 -

Mar 31, 2020

Justice Edmond W. Burke passed away on March 31, 2020, in Missoula, Mont. His emphasis became quality over quantity, and it was within that context that he reached out to family and friends, his words beautifully articulated, reassuring all of us that life is good and intended to be lived well.

Burke was born in 1935 in Ukiah, Calif., where he learned to work and play, sheep-herding, fishing and hunting, a boyhood that he would "trade for no other." He lived a life of gratitude, certain that he gave more than he received. A generous man to the end.

After high school graduation, Ed attended Humboldt State College, where he earned a BA and Master of Arts before earning his JD from Hastings College of Law in 1964. In 1968, he accepted a position as an Assistant Attorney General in Juneau, Alaska, transferring shortly after to the DA's office in Anchorage, a turning point in a career that spanned 23 years in the judicial system. Ed loved Alaska for its natural wonders and the opportunities it provided in raising his two daughters.

In 1970, Ed was appointed to Alaska's Superior Court in Kodiak and in 1975, at the age of 39, he was appointed to the Supreme Court. (Justice Burke served as Chief Justice between 1981-1984, taking his oath of office while fishing the Tal). Ed retired in December 1993; one former law clerk and Alaska's first female Supreme Court Justice, Dana Fabe, recognized Ed as an advocate for women as leaders. After moving to Missoula, he taught as adjunct professor at the University of Montana School of Law.

Of formidable stature, Ed possessed a calm demeanor, a "Gary Cooper kind-of-guy." He was known to be a stern judge "when indicated," yet mindful of the frailties inherent in human nature. His irreverent sense of humor flowed with ease; as a pilot, he concluded that helicopters were an "abomination ... an invitation to ride in one could be viewed as an act attempted murder."

Ed met and married Anna Hubbard on Dec. 29, 1990, in her family cabin in the Cabinet Mountains of northwest Montana. Anna's 23-foot Christmas tree and Ed's prime rib, both done to perfection, would come to reflect a rich and full life. After Anna suffered a stroke in 2012, Ed became her voice, a role he described as the "honor of his life."

A more detailed tribute, written by Valerie VanBrocklin, will appear in the June issue of the Alaska Bar Rag or can be accessed online at ForeverMissed.com under "Stories."

Justice Burke was preceded in death by Wayne P. and Opal Burke; and brother, Doug Burke. Survivors include his wife, Anna Burke of Missoula; daughters, Kathleen Fisher of Barrow and Jennifer Burke Richardson of Anchorage; sons, John Hubbard (Maryann) of Missoula and Laurence Hubbard (Bergetta) of Helena, Mont.; Ed's much-loved grandchildren include Abigayle Fisher and Mollie Fisher of Barrow; Daisy Richardson of Sumter, S.C.; Thatcher Hubbard of Seattle, Wash.; Michaela Schager of Missoula; Anna Hubbard of Denver, Colo.; and Leland Hubbard of Missoula. He leaves behind his niece, Tracy Burke Bowen of Goleta, Calif.

Memorials can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.