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Tommy Burke |
‘Tommy was one in million’
Man born, married and died on May 1
WHEN Tommy Burke died suddenly he went into the record books as a remarkable “one-in-a-million character”.
And the odds were right. For Tommy was born on May 1, married on May 1 and passed away on May 1.
It was standing room only for the 70-year-old’s funeral service at Finchley where he was cremated last week.
The widower, of Kenbrook House, Leighton Road in Kentish Town, was active, healthy and working as a carpet fitter – a job which saw him on his knees all over the country – until suffering a massive heart attack at home as he made his birthday preparations.
Tributes have been paid by family, friends, and neighbours to a “kind, generous and outgoing” soul always willing to lend a hand in the community.
A passionate Manchester United fan, he lived to see his side head for their recent Premiership title triumph.
Tommy was also a darts champion and a pool “wizard”. His white hair and distinctive rolling gait, with arms swinging, easily identified him in a crowd.
One of eight children – sister Helen survives – he was born in Warren Street in tough times. The bombsites of Fitzrovia were his playgrounds. After work in shops and as a station porter he did national service in the Army and later became a skilled carpet layer.
His marriage to Margaret more than 30 years ago was “heaven”, he often recalled at his local, the Grafton Arms, where his wake was held.
While living in Kentish Town Road, Tommy had a lucky escape when a goods train derailed and went over the bridge.
Daughter Lorraine was born when the couple moved to nearby Lorraine Court. Her dad doted on his two granddaughters, Savannah and Ellie.
It was at Kenbrook House several years ago that Tommy was hailed a hero by his neighbours. The block was plagued by squatters and he decided he’d had enough. He took action and successfully got rid of the noisy people next door – including the then not so well known Boy George. |
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