July 19, 2004: Rod Napier - January 12th, 2003

Dear Barbara and Mark and Family,

I was one of the hundreds of people who knew Burke a little but upon whom he left an indelible memory. I have been related to Langskib as on of the founders of the Temagami Experience for nearly twenty-five years. During that time, on several occasions, I have has the extraordinary good fortune of engaging many of Lngskib’s young leaders in a d number of leadership development programs. As a group they provide me with every bit as much as I provide them. They are the best of the best - optimistic, idealistic, open, demanding, though in spirit and mind and always willing to look deeply at just what does it mean to be a leader. The fact that they are responsible for young lives in wilderness situations also couches their idealism in terms of a very practical reality.

Burke was among the very best of these amazing young people. He stood for just what Langskib has always been about. He was uncompromising in wishing to give each of his young charges a powerful experience in being purposeful, focused and responsible for their own actions as part of a team. He did this by being tough minded, unyielding and demanding in what he truly believed was a privileged and opportunity for each. And, yet, at the same time, he always acted with care, humor and compassion.

Beyond this I knew Burke as someone willing to dig deep in search for true meaning in his own young life. As an old gray beard, he provided me with light and perspective in nearly every conversation we had- a fresh view wrapped n his special brand of passion with which he seemed to face every question of his young life.

This spring a colleague and I will publish a book entitles The Courage to Act. It’s about how team leaders can imbue their teams with courage. Burke will remain an example to me of someone who embodied the five characterizes we believe essential to such leaders. He was extraordinary purposeful in his actions. He had the ability to give to others the will to do whatever necessary to insure success - it is the can do attitude that Burke lived everyday. He was disciplined, committed to a certain rigor that demanded an unswerving dedication to the highest standards. Anyone who ever tripped under his leadership experienced this. He helped others become selfless - working for the good of the team and never complaining at taking risks for the good of others. And, finally, Burke always put the truth out ahead of himself. He spoke with candor and was willing to stand for what he believed was right whether it was popular or not.

These characteristics are found in few leaders - they usually take years to develop. Burke had them all. Those who had the good fortune to experience them in him, were privileged indeed.

With affection to you and sadness at your loss,

Rod Napier