Charles McKean Burke: 1936 – 2024
Charles Burke passed away in Cheyenne on May 9, 2024. Charles “Chuck” was born November 11, 1936 in Longmont, Colorado to Victor and Marion Burke.
He graduated from Boulder High School (1954), from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley with a Bachelor’s Degree (1959) and with a Master’s Degree (1962). He met his wife, Julia, while attending UNC (then Colorado State College of Education), at Jeans and Janes Square Dance Club. Their love for square dancing continued over their 65 years of marriage.
In high school he was active in 4-H, music, and drama, winning an award for commitment. He was a teacher in Pueblo Colorado, Boulder Colorado, Indianapolis Indiana, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. He helped plan and develop the new industrial technology program at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis. He moved to Cheyenne to be the Industrial Arts Supervisor at the State Department of Education. His love of teaching drew him back to McCormick Jr. High and Cheyenne Central High School. He ended his teaching career teaching cabinet making at Laramie County Community College. He enjoyed this experience a lot, since most of the students wanted to be there, and his biggest problem was getting them to stop working on their project and go home after the evening class.
He owned and ran a small woodshop business called Winddragon Woodworks. He was happy to be a woodworker and woodturner. He spent a lot of his time volunteering and participating in community organizations. He won the 1977 American Industrial Arts Association Certificate of Honor as an Outstanding Teacher, and the 1984-86 the Technology Education Association Award in recognition and appreciation for Outstanding Leadership and Service. He kept very busy and happy while enjoying participating in such adventures as the District 2 Fire District Board, Wyoming Commissioner for Clan Donald for a few years, sorting books and helping at the Delta Kappa Gamma book sale for 38 years, to mention a few. He also escorted nine overseas and two Wyoming trips.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Marian Burke; his son, Dwite; brother, Ralph and wife, Verna Burke; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou and Charlotte Burke; father-in-law, Jesse Murfin, and mother-in-law, Welcome Murfin.
Surviving Charles is his wife of 65 years, Julia; son, Brian and his wife Jenny; grandchildren, Alec and his wife Jordan; and his extended family, Lionel and Sheri Kelley; and their children Nathan and wife Nicole, Bethany, and Spencer.
A celebration of life will be held May 16, 10:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 220 W. 22nd. Donations may be made to the Paul Smith Cheyenne Children’s Village at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens or Scout Troop 116, at the First Presbyterian Church.
Patrick “Pat” William Gamble: 1960 – 2024
Patrick William Gamble, 63 years old, of Fort Collins, Colorado passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on May 14, 2024. He was born on August 29, 1960, in Forsyth, Montana to David and Donna Gamble. Pat went to high school in Miles City, Montana. He went onto Anaconda Job Corp where he earned his welding certificate and GED in 1978. He returned to Miles City where he met and married Julie Hafla in 1981. Together they had two beautiful children, Heather and Nicholas.
Pat found one of his many passions in life when he learned how to become a truck driver under the guidance of Bud Walker in Miles City. He went on to drive for a few different companies including McLane Western, Burgener Trucking, FedEX and Old Dominion. Over his many years as a driver, Pat received awards for his safety and having over four million miles under his belt. As a cancer survivor of over 20 years, Pat’s health was not always the best, however, he always wanted to stay busy. He continued to work as much as he was able to until he retired from Old Dominion in 2023.
He found love again and married Kayleen Ernst in January 2024 with a small gathering of family in Fort Collins. Pat shared a love of motorcycles with Kayleen and, over the years of their life together, they rode thousands of miles exploring the Western United States. Pat had many hobbies. He was most passionate about listening to good music and expressing himself through tattoos.
Pat is survived by his wife, Kayleen Gamble of Fort Collins; brothers and sisters: Darold (Keri) Gamble of Cheyenne, Colleen (Sam) Moore of Billings, Allen Gamble of Cheyenne, and Kelly (Mike) Kent of Cheyenne; children: Heather (Scott) Duda of Windsor and Nicholas (Sara) Gamble of Seattle; Kayleen’s children: Angie (Becky) Tucker of Fort Collins, Jennie (Robbie) Campbell of Severance, Alyas (Miranda) Ernst of Fort Collins; grandchildren: Hunter (H), Emma (M&M), Hazel (Hazer), Robbie (Budge), Jake (Monster), Michael (Jitterbug) and Allie (Tweddres).
Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, David and Donna Gamble.
Service will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., in Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.
James Shelton Vance: 1942 – 2024
James Shelton Vance, 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, was taken to his heavenly home on May 6, 2024.
Jim led an extraordinary life. Born in Colorado Springs, he grew up with his four siblings in Denver, Colorado. He attended the University of Colorado, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business before enlisting in the Navy where he served 21 years. He married Flossie Vance of Cumberland, Rhode Island, with whom he shared four children and 57 years of blessed marriage.
After moving to Cheyenne, Wyoming, Jim was proud to work for the Catholic Diocese of Wyoming as their Director of Finance for 20 years. He retired and lived the remainder of his years at their home in Cheyenne. Devoted father and husband, Jim was known for his love for life. He is remembered for his artistic accomplishments reflected in his beautiful blooming landscape and his colorful stained glass. Together with Flossie, Jim was an avid traveler and always ready for a new adventure. Jim also was a firm believer in a nightly cocktail hour and a big glass of scotch. We will miss his boisterous laugh, his willingness to help, and infectious smile. Jim leaves a legacy of dedication, love and unwavering commitment to family and his faith. He will be deeply missed but the love he shared will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.
He is survived by his loving wife, Florence Vance; and his children: John (Sara) Vance of Boise, Idaho, Jeffrey (Melanie) Vance of Denver, Colorado, Heather (Eric) Jackson of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Holly (Evrim) Vance of Oakwood, Ohio. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Caden, Kyla, Elliott, Hope, Hannah, Lena, Jack and James; as well as two sisters, Kathy and Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John (Jack) and Billie Vance; his brother, Michael Vance; and his nephew, Troy Vance.
The Funeral Liturgy will be Saturday, May 25, 2024, 12:30 p.m., at St. Mary’s Cathedral with niche placement to follow in the St. Mary’s Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, the Vance family kindly requests donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School or a charity of your choice.
