John Bourke

John Bourke was born in Thurles, Tipperary in 1869. His parents were James & Johanna Bourke. John migrated to Australia with his family in 1876. He married Catherine Bedelia Maddin on 19th February 1901 in Jackson, Queensland. They had three children James Francis, Kathleen Veronica & Michael Alphonsus.  John was a Railway Maintence Inspector & with a gang of Lengthsmen was responsible for laying miles of railway lines through Western Queensland to provide transport for passengers & goods. He died on 1st May 1928 at Richmond, Queensland & was buried at the Richmond Cemetery. The cause of his death was Acute Dialation of the heart & this was due to the fact that a week earlier when a heavy hand operated railway trolley came off the tracks & rather than having his men take the load he lifted the trolley back on to the tracks. He was well known for being a very strong man who would lift heavy loads. John was well respected & a man who shared his friendship with everyone. His funeral was attended by his fellow railwaymen & people of Richmond. He remained always a proud Irishman. Vale Grandfather John.