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Colin Burke
5th June 2008
A RETIRED army major was found hanged at his home after years of ill health and depression following the death of his wife.
 Colin Burke, of Chapel Allerton, was discovered on May 25. His wife Una died three years previously.
Family members have paid tribute to the Somerset pensioner and said Colin 'Paddy' Burke, who died aged 77, will be 'sadly missed'.
The horse-riding teacher had lived in the village since 1978 and was an active member of the community.
Colin left the army after a career with the Royal Artillery having seen service with the commandos and parachute brigade in Korea, Malta and Germany.
His son Peter Burke, who lives in Cheddar, said: "His life and army career was dominated by horses. His service, wherever he was, always included a horse and some of his greatest memories and achievements were of his command of The King's Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery."
After leaving the Royal Artillery in 1968, Colin and Una settled in Somerset where he was appointed as equestrian master at Millfield School in Street, until his retirement in 1991.
Peter said: "He took a struggling school equestrian department that was in danger of closure due to lack of drive and vision, to new and unheard-of successes across all the equestrian disciplines.
"He demanded high standards and was a hard taskmaster but with a sense of fun and understanding. He could take an unlikely student to maximise their potential and enjoyment."
After his retirement Colin and Una continued to dedicate their time to horses, but after the death of his wife from cancer in 2005, Colin hung up his spurs.
Peter added: "Ill health and lack of direction, even with the loving support of his family, could not fill the emotional void.
"He will be sadly missed by his family and friends."
An inquest into Colin's death has been opened and adjourned by West Somerset Coroner Michael Rose.
His funeral will be held at Allerton Church in Chapel Allerton tomorrow (Fri) at 11am. The family have asked that instead of flowers, well-wishers can make donations to Macmillan Cancer Support via George Williams Funeral Directors, Penn Farm, 54 Redcliffe Street, Cheddar, BS27 3PF or on 01934 742958.
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