Obituary of Burke A. Swain

North Creek: Burke A. “Punk” Swain, 79, of Durkin Road, passed away peacefully, Monday, May 6, 2013 at his home following a brief illness. Born in Ticonderoga on January 26, 1934, he was the son of the late Kenneth W. and Letha (Proskine) Swain. Burke, known as Maudie by many, was a lifelong resident of North Creek. Following his graduation from North Creek High School in 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly fought for his country during the Korean War. He received several medals for his valor on the front lines and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1955. After graduating from Simmons School of Mortuary Science, he returned to North Creek and took over management of the family business, Swain Funeral Home. He later sold the business and eventually went to work at Gore Mountain Ski Center where he spent the rest of his working years until retirement in 2002. He enjoyed many a morning having coffee with the crew at Marsha’s Restaurant and the serenity of his home, surrounded by woods and a babbling brook. Burke was an active member of the American Legion Post 629 for over 50 years. He was an active member of the Society of the Third Infantry Division, Outpost No. 5, the Outpost Harry Survivors Association, and the 15th Infantry Regiment Association. He was a brother in the F & A Masons, Warrensburgh Lodge #425 and a member of the Oriental Shriners, Troy, NY. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Kenneth W. Swain Jr. and daughter-in-law, Kim White Swain. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Swain of Albany; his three sons, Robert Swain of Queensbury; Burke Swain II (Debbie) and Kenneth Swain of Many, LA; a grandson, Connor Swain of Queensbury; a brother, Donald Swain of North River; his dear friend, Laura King of Minerva; sister-in-law, Judy Swain of Scotia, former sister-in-law, Margaret Swain of Plattsburgh, and several nieces and nephews. Per his request, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service by the American Legion #629 will be announced at a later date. Interment in the North River cemetery will be a private ceremony. A special thanks goes to the family of Mike and Laurie Smith and Sandy Warrington for helping Dad out so often. We also thank the medical staff on Tower 3 at Glens Falls Hospital, High Peaks Hospice, and the Johnsburg ambulance squad. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook and condolences.