Talmage Burke

Alhambra's beloved councilman and former mayor, Talmage Burke, who only recently completed his term as mayor for the 15th time, passed away on Sunday, February 29 at approximately 6:30 p.m. with his family by his side. The former mayor had undergone quadruple heart bypass surgery. He was 86 years old.

Burke's tremendous popularity provided the impetus for becoming the state's longest publicly elected state office holder with over 50 years of service to the City of Alhambra. He was born in November 1917 and graduated from Alhambra High School in 1935. He went on to law school, graduating with a Juris Doctor from USC. Prior to being elected to the Alhambra City Council in 1952, he served as the city's first city prosecutor and deputy city attorney.

"The entire community is saddened by his passing,' said Alhambra Mayor Paul Talbot. "He was the father of our community. He brought great civility and dignity to the positions he held and was a wonderful example of a city councilman. He was a kind, compassionate individual and he will be deeply missed."

One of Burke's most outstanding and well-known civic accomplishments was his involvement in lowering of the railroad tracks in Alhambra during the mid-1970s. Prior to this undertaking, the tracks impeded emergency traffic in the city, which led to a rash of fatalities. Although it was the first time that such a project had ever been attempted, the outcome of the project was successful. Along with the improved system of tracks, accomplished at a cost of $20 million, the nearby Alhambra Municipal Golf Course gained additional land enabling it to become an 18-hole golf course. In recent years, Burke supported revitalization of Main Street as a "composite shopping/business district" and also backed efforts to construct several senior housing complexes in the downtown area.

During his lengthy public service, Burke received numerous service awards. He was also given the distinguished title of "Man of the Year" by seven service organizations. As a member of the Rotary Club, he had an impeccable attendance record for over 52 years! He served as President of the San Gabriel Valley Bar Association, was the Founding Director of the Legal Aid and Public Defender Program of the San Gabriel Valley, and he also served as the Chairman of the West San Gabriel Juvenile Diversion Project, and was a Trustee of the University of Redlands for 18 years.

Burke's father, Montivel Burke, also played a role in Alhambra city government, first as a member of the Alhambra Board of Education in 1933, and later the Alhambra City Council in 1942, serving nine two-year terms. Additionally, he was elected to the State Assembly when it was still possible to hold both offices. In commemoration of their contributions to the city, the Burke family name is inscribed on a plaque in front of City Hall and on several buildings throughout the city. They include Burke Manor, a federally-funded senior housing complex; Burke Heritage Park, a city park created in 1998; and the Talmage V. Burke Garden, a drought-resistant garden set up by the Utility Department. During the city's recent Centennial Celebration in 2003, Burke Way was named in honor of Talmage Burke and his many contributions to the city over more than 50 years of service.

Burke is survived by his wife, Lisa, and two children, a son, Montivel A. Burke II, and attorney, and a daughter, Karen M. Brown, R.N., and six grandchildren.

Individuals or groups who wish to contribute cards and/or flowers prior to the service may do so by sending them to : Burke Memorial Service, c/o Alhambra City Hall, Attn: Francis Moore, 111 S. First Street, Alhambra, CA 91801. Donations should also be sent to this address, pending the family's decision to name a preferred charity.