Stephen A. Burke died October 13, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer. He lived in (and loved) La Pine, OR, where he resided for several years. He loved the mountains and the outdoors, where he would hike, climb, wander and commune with nature. He especially loved the animals, small and large, of the Oregon High Desert. Steve was a prolific reader his whole life. He preached the benefits of reading to his siblings, nieces and nephews throughout his life. He was the most well-read person any of us knew. Reading and his Buddhist practice were Steve's two greatest passions in life. He was a strong believer in Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, which he has been practicing for the past 25 years. Steve had a keen sense of humor, which he carried with him, and shared with his family and friends, until the end.

Steve was born July 24, 1967 in Buffalo, New York, the youngest of 11 siblings. He attended St. Mark School on Woodward Avenue, and Nichols School on Amherst St. in Buffalo, and was enrolled for two years at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. He did graduate work in English Literature at the State University of New York at Buffalo for many years, eventually achieving a Masters degree in Literature. He also studied Informatics in his time at SUNY Buffalo. He was an avid sailor, hiker and naturalist. Although he was our youngest brother, Steve is the first to leave us. He leaves behind the following brothers and sisters: Peter (Diane), Jeannie Wierda (Chris), Paul (Beth), Philip (Geri), Josephine J Helene, Robert (Maria Cutrona), Joe (Katie), Harmony Water (Iulia Lee), Brigid Brindley (Kevin), and Margaret Nolen (Carlton). He is remembered by 20 nieces and nephews (and 5 great nieces/nephews) and many adoring friends.

A Funeral service and visitation is scheduled at Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home at 105 NW Irving Avenue in Bend, OR at 1pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Steve's name to the Oregon Natural Desert Association (https://onda.org/donate/)

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