Wednesday, 7pm: Widespread tribute has been paid to former Mayor of Peterborough and dedicated philanthropist Bob Burke following his death.
Mr Burke, who served as a city councillor for 36 years, died peacefully at his home in Yaxley last Wednesday (7 November), aged 90.
His widow Brenda (76) described him as ?an honourable man?.
She said: ?We are just heartbroken, because we thought he would go on forever.?
His son Danny Frost (44) said: ?He used to put other people before himself all the time.?
He added: ?As long as I can remember, he?s been fighting one cause or another for somebody.?
Mr Burke, a greengrocer by trade, championed the twinning of the city with Bourges in France, Viersen in Germany, Alcala de Henares in Spain, Forli in Italy and Vinnitsa in Ukraine.
Of particular note was his work with the people of Vinnitsa, which included him organising the delivery of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and two fire engines to the city, as well as annual visits to Peterborough for children suffering from the effects of the Chernobyl disaster.
In 2002, he was named Ukrainian Man of the Year.
Cllr John Fox, member of Peterborough City Council for Werrington North, who supported Mr Burke in the humanitarian work, described him as a ?true ambassador for our city?.
Mr Burke was prominently involved in handing over Thorpe Hall, in Thorpe Road, to the Sue Ryder charity and later served as an appeal chairman in support of its work.
Philip Ball, palliative care services manager at Thorpe Hall, said: ?The Thorpe Hall Hospice team sends their sincere condolences to Mr Burke?s family and loved ones at this sad time. We remain grateful for his keen support from the earliest days.?
Mr Burke was also a member of the Werrington Neighbourhood Council, served as the chairman of the Peterborough Market Traders? Association and was a governor at Werrington Primary School for more than 30 years.
Ben Wilding, head at Werrington Primary School, said: ?He was fantastic support to the school.?
He added: ?He was a gentleman and highly regarded among governors and staff.?
Mr Burke?s funeral takes place on November 28 at St John the Baptist Church, in Church Street, Peterborough, at 1pm. All are welcome.
Decades? service to the public
First elected to Peterborough City Council in 1971, Bob Burke served as ward councillor for Werrington South until 2007.
He was chosen to be Mayor of Peterborough between 1985/6.
He was also a deputy leader of the Conservative group between 1976 and 1982 and leader of the council?s Independent group between 2004 and 2007.
His political career stretched back even further, though, with him serving as a member of Cambridgeshire County Council for 17 years - holding the offices of chairman and vice chairman.
He was made an Honorary Alderman of the city this year and was awarded the Freedom of the City in 2008 for his service to Peterborough.
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