Terence Burke

Terence Burke, longtime professor and administrator at the University of Massachusetts, and associate to the president at the University of Arizona from 1982 until 1998, died 17 June 2003 at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Philanne “Toppy” Burke, four children, and five grandchildren.

Born in Leicestershire, England, Burke received Smith-Mundt and Fulbright Awards to study historical geography at Clark University in Massachusetts. After earning his doctorate from the University of Birmingham, England, he served as a Flight Lieutenant with the Royal Air Force for four years before coming back to the United States to begin teaching as an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. During his 20-year tenure at Amherst, he received many awards including the Distinguished Teacher Award, and was widely published. He eventually moved on to become associate to Henry Kofler, the Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts system, and in 1982, followed Dr. Koffler to the University of Arizona to act as associate to the president. He retired from this position in 1998.

A memorial service was held 23 June at the First United Methodist Church of Tucson, Arizona. Donations may be made in Dr. Burke’s honor to the American Red Cross or the Community Food Bank of Tucson.

Terence Burke (Necrology). 2003. AAG Newsletter 38 (8): 21