Memorial Statement
Dr. Roger K. Burke, Professor Emeritus, University of Southern California (USC), died on July 7, 2008 in Los Angeles. Dr. Burke taught in the Department of Kinesiology and Exercise Science from 1974 until his retirement in 1982. He was an internationally noted kinesiologist and authored publications on kinesiology and the history of physical education. He is widely known for the textbook he co-authored, Kinesiology and Applied Anatomy (with Dr. Phillip Rasch). Dr. Burke was active in several professional organizations including the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (Southwest District), the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and the Western Society of Physical Education for College Men. In 1969, he was elected as an active Fellow in the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education.
Dr. Burke was born in 1920 in Medford, Massachusetts, and grew up in Wakefield, Mass. He attended Springfield College and participated on the gymnastics and hand balancing team. In 1942, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical Education and Health. Following college graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed at the Manhattan Beach Training Station, Brooklyn, New York, where he taught “rough and tumble” fighting. He taught high school physical education for two years in Vermont before moving to California in 1947. He earned a Master of Science degree in physical education at the University of California (1950) and a Doctor of Philosophy in physical education at USC (1957). He was a professor at Occidental College, in Los Angeles, from1947 to 1974, where he was also chairman of the Department of Physical Education before joining the USC faculty.
Dr. Burke is survived by his wife, Dr. Dolores Geddes Burke of Cape Coral, Florida, who is a retired professor from the Kinesiology and Exercise Science Department, USC, and was active in AAHPERD groups. His daughter, Kimble Burke Morton, a member of AAHPERD and CAHPERD, lives in Altadena, CA. His son, Brad M. Burke lives in Fort Collins, CO. His daughter, Lynne Geddes Joslyn, lives in Cape Coral, FL. In addition, he is survived by eight grandchildren. His family and former colleagues will reflect, rather than mourn, the joy of having him part of their lives. According to his wishes, there was no funeral or memorial service. His cremated ashes were scattered at sea near Los Angeles.
