We join the community in mourning the loss of yet another one of our icons, Logan Burke.
Burke was a quiet giant. His modesty kept many of his vast achievements obscure. Long before he was best known as the patriarch of the city’s best known political family, he was shaping the lives of children as a teacher, coach and principal.
Burke was honored at Cook, the school where he began his teaching career and later led as principal for 12 years, in February 2008. He said then that it was always key for him to set a good example for his students.
“To me, it was important that I was a role model for them, someone I hope that they looked up to,” he said.
His service made us all proud of him. After he retired from education, he served in the N.C. House and maintained active roles in the local NAACP, the United Negro College Fund and at his church, Grace Presbyterian. Illness had sidelined the active Burke for some time before his passing Sunday. His wife, Mayor Pro Tempore Vivian Burke, showed her strength and devotion throughout her husband’s illness. For years, Mrs. Burke balanced her public responsibilities with the wedding vows she made more than five decades ago. She expertly scheduled appearances and other engagements so that she could promptly return home to be by her husband’s side.
Our hearts go out to her and to the couple’s son, Judge Todd Burke; grandkids, Logan II and Melissa; and the entire Burke family. We are a better city because of Logan Burke and because of the family he headed and the countless boys and girls he mentored.
