Charlie Fisher's farewell message to Tommy Burke
My humble tribute to a wonderful guy: Tommy Burke
For those of you who didn't know Tommy it is your loss. For those who did, your life was blessed a little.
For those who didn't know him I'll give you a little background.
Tommy has played in the WHACS and SILL organizations for many years. Last summer he and his beautiful wife Marie went up north to attend a wedding. The AC was not working and it was very hot in the building. Tommy collapsed for some reason and was taken to the hospital. He was treated for what they thought was just heat exhaustion and told to see his doctor when he returned home. Making a long story short he found out he has stage three lung cancer. He received a couple radiation and chemo treatments and then found out he also had blood clots in his lungs and legs. He could no longer have those treatments. Now all he can do is sit,
wait and suffer until this horrid disease takes his life.
Some people come into your life and pass through without leaving a mark. Some bring sadness while others almost destroy it. Then there are those who bring joy and pleasure. Tommy Burke was the latter. Tommy would literally give you his shirt if he thought you needed it, even if he didn't know you. Ask you to come to dinner just because he knew you were new in town and could use the company.
I have played many sports on many teams in my life with hundreds of men. Some huge, 6'plus, 200lbs. plus. Tommy was not of big stature, maybe 5'7, 140 lbs., but I never met a bigger man. I never heard a harsh word come from his lips with regard to anyone. Through all his
pain and suffering he never complained. At least, not while I was around. We became good friends over the last year and I spent many hours with him in the last three months or so. Had dinner with them, spent super bowl Sunday with them, talked and shared family information, likes and dislikes. The kind of things all friends share.
On Thursday I was with him for about four hours. His two brothers and daughter were coming in to take him back to NJ Friday morning to stay with his daughter and be close to his family. Tommy is from Philly. I am not a man who comes to tears very easily but we both filled up when
it was finally time to say goodbye to my friend. Both well aware, but could not bring ourselves to say, it was the last time we would see each other.
I am asking everyone who breathes air and reads this to pass it on to others and to please pray for Tommy his wife Marie and their family. No human can help Tommy now but with God all things are possible. Ask and you shall receive.
When some go out of your life your are sad, others you may grieve awhile. But when a Tommy Burke goes out of your life it leaves a hugh Grand Canyon size whole in it. Tommy Burke is my kind of man. And I believe he has made me a better one. It was a pleasure and an honor to know you.
Thank you Tommy for being my friend.
Thank you Tommy for being my friend.
Charlie Fisher
