The Idaho Post, Moscow, Idaho, June 28, 1918: "Following an illness of two weeks from mountain fever, the result of the bite of a tick, received while upon a visit near Kallispel, Mont., Richard Burke, appraiser for the Federal Land bank of Spokane, passed away at his home, 620 So. Adams street, at 7:15 this morning. Death was not unexpected and his family for hours had been gathered about the bedside in anticipation of his release from suffering.

"Mr. Burke suffered the tick-bite on June 6, while at his duties of farm inspection and appraisement for the Spokane Land bank. He failed to recognize the seriousness of the bite until the poison had spread through his system; and, indeed, it was only through the intercession of Professor Otis Randall, formerly of Moscow, but now of Kallispel, who realized his condition and accompanied him a portion of his journey that he was persuaded to return home. He reached here Sunday of last week, his condition all but hopeless. Until death released him, he was an agonized sufferer.

"Richard Burke came to Moscow seven years ago as state manager for the Pioneer Life Insurance company of North Dakota. He chose this city as his home because of its educational advantages, and his two daughters, Misses Mary and Ada Burke, have since graduated from the University of Idaho. He was at one time secretary of the Moscow Commercial Club, was a member of the Moscow B.P.O. Elks' lodge, and of the local Council of Knights of Columbus. In the latter order he was one of the leaders in the state. About a year ago he was appointed appraiser for the Spokane Land bank, and has since been employed at those duties.

"Mr. Burke was born near Iowa City, Iowa, Sept. 20, 1854, and grew to manhood on an Iowa prairie farm. He educated himself, graduating from Iowa State college in 1879, after having taught school in the winter and worked in a printing office to pay his way. For two years then he practiced his profession of civil engineering and then, the call of the printers' ink summoned him back and he established the Reporter, at What Cheer, Iowa. On September 29, 1883, he married Miss Menza Rosecrans at Sigourney, Iowa. To them were born six children: Harry R. Burke, of the Portland telegram; Thomas A. Burke, deputy district attorney at Oregon City, Ore.; Lieutenant William A. Burke, U.S.A., Camp Dodge, Iowa; John Nugent Burke, who sailed for France with a United States engineering army unit last week without knowing of his father's illness; Mary Elizabeth Burke, principal of the Genesee High school; and Ada Eulalia Burke, who graduated from the university this year.

"'It was as a country newspaper man that we like to remember my father,' said one of the sons this morning. 'He was of that fine type that prized above all else ideals. Generous and forgiving, charitable and just, faithful and loyal, chivalrous and honorable, and in 25 years of newspaper work he made no enemies except those who sought to exploit their fellowmen. His financial reward was not great, but he kept his faith and he left to his children a priceless heritage of high ideals and splendid example.'

"Mrs. Burke and the six children survive. There are also two brothers, John Burke, treasurer of the United States, and Judge Thomas C. Burke, treasurer of the American Cotton exchange. A sister, Miss Emma Burke, was at his bedside at the time of his death.

"Throughout his life Mr. Burke was a devout Catholic. The funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning at the Catholic church, the Rev. Father P. Pecoul officiating. Interment in the Catholic cemetery."