Dr. Morgen Walter Victor Burke

Doctor Morgen Walter Victor Burke, beloved husband of Justine Burke died in his home in Carberry, Manitoba on April 11, 2022 at the age of 30 following a battle with brain cancer.

Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of Morgen’s life at the Carberry Community Memorial Hall in Carberry, MB on April 30th at 1:00PM.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Brain Cancer Research at Cancer Care Manitoba (675 McDermot Ave. Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9).

Morgen was predeceased by his grandparents: Alex Burke and Emile and Reta Cop as well as his young cousin Maverick Brulé.  Morgen is survived by his best friend and wife Justine Burke (Gould), his parents Cam and Diane Burke (Cop), grandmother, Iris Burke, two brothers, Travis and Cory Burke, his niece, Kylie Kufflick Burke, and his four-legged friend, Chuck.

Morgen was born on July 31, 1991 and grew up near Virden, MB.  He loved nature, science, family, and friends.  Morgen played outside a lot and had many pets: gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbit, fish, cat, and his dogs.  Morgen got Copper, his Basset Hound, when he was 8 years old and always took such good care of her.  He took Copper everywhere including school, camping, and visits with grandparents.

Morgen loved camping, especially in Duck Mountain Provincial Park.  He rode his bike, made campfires, hiked, swam, canoed, fished, and tubed.  He was always known to do his share of the work.  Morgen continued his love of camping with Justine, and they went to the Ducks yearly and kayaked many of the lakes there. Morgen enjoyed the outdoors and respected the earth.  He picked up garbage on walks, only left footprints, and tried to conserve the Earth.

Morgen was a dedicated scholar and received many academic and citizenship awards throughout his early education in Virden.  He loved sports at school and played volleyball, basketball, badminton, and baseball.  He also took swimming and archery lessons.  Morgen won first place in archery in the region and bronze at the Manitoba Summer Games.  He had the opportunity to be coached by an Olympian.  He was also an avid musician throughout high school as a member of choir, band, and jazz band.  He also attended Westman Honour Band.

Following high school, Morgen continued his academic career at Brandon University where he completed a Bachelor of Science in 2014.  During his time at Brandon University, he worked with professors to study snapping turtle habitats and had the opportunity to share his work via video with his mom’s grade six class.  They got to learn all about the turtles and name them.

After his bachelor’s degree, Morgen received offers from several universities but chose to continue his studies at the University of North Dakota and he went on to complete a Master’s of Geography (2016) as well as a Doctorate in Earth System Science.  He completed his doctorate in November 2021 following his brain cancer diagnosis in June 2021.  During his time at the UND, he had the opportunity to present his work at a geographer’s conference in San Francisco as well as at various other conferences, schools, and events.  

Morgen’s legacy will live on through his several scientific publications which will help other researchers, scientists, and farmers.  Morgen was a respected and loved colleague throughout his university career and many professors have noted his work to be excellent.

Morgen will be remembered for his kindness, helpfulness, intelligence, perseverance, care, and love

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Morgen Walter Victor Burke, please visit our floral store.