John E. Burke has been my doctor, colleague and friend for more than 30 years. When he broke the news about his retirement from his primary care practice, I, for very selfish reasons, was quite upset and a bit anxious at the prospect of having to have a different doctor.

He has not only been my doctor, but he has doctored just about my entire family, including my wife and mom. Through his wonderful care and compassion, he was able to give my mother at least 20 more years of quality life. He cared of my sister in her final days among us. Through his generosity, he helped some of my family through very difficult times, and the list goes on and on.

No words can possibly discribe the love and graditude I have for this man and his lovely wife, Christine.

I hope and pray that the future is very kind to him; he certainly has earned it.

Maybe with some of his freed-up time, we will be able to give boogie-boarding another go in the warm waters of the Caribbean. We had better get to it, though, we’re not getting any younger.

On behalf of my family and a good many friends, I want to thank Jack for everything. He certainly has made the world a better place.

Gerard AustinSolon