I am very sorry to post the news that legendary sculler and coach Joe Burk passed away on Sunday, January 13. Our hearts go out to his family and many friends and admirers.
An excerpt from an email sent by a friend of the family: "I received a call tonight from Kathy Burk McCaffrey that her dad had died today (Sunday January 13). He was comfortable, at home, and at peace. His death followed an uncomfortable period following an accidental leg fracture that required a painful orthopedic repair and there were ensuing complications.
There will be no services at Joe's request. Kathy said that her father would have wanted any gesture that any of you might wish to make in his honor and memory to be made to Penn Rowing."
row2k will post any additional information as it becomes available. As noted last week, plans continue to go forward to honor Joe at several events during the San Diego Crew Classic April 5 and 6; contact Peter Mallory at [email protected] or 619-990-3660 as plans evolve over the coming days.
For more on Joe's extraordinary career as a sculler, see the excerpt from Peter's book on the evolution of the rowing stroke: Joe Burk, Sculler.