Mike Burke rallies local volunteers

“Carpe Diem” — literally “Seize the Day” — best describes Mike Burke’s philosophy of life. Never known for doing things half way, Burke is a man of mirth, vision, and a monumental love of life. Burke positively resonates with energy. No matter the project, he can be found with his sleeves rolled up, neck deep in the middle of things.

Burke, his wife DeeDee and their two sons, Pat and Andy, moved to the Sisters area in 1995 from Holbrook, California.

“We were simply ready for a change,” is the reason he gives for the move north, and the youth of Sisters have benefited handsomely as a result.

Burke, who owns and operates Sisters Landscaping, started out in the horticultural business while in high school.

“I worked part-time as a bare root packer for J.C. Rose when I was in high school. From there I went into the wholesale nursery business, and then I became a landscape contractor in 1971,” he said.

When he’s not working as a contractor, he is easy to locate: just look at any of the numerous projects going on in the school district and you will find him. Currently Burke, along with a handful of volunteers, is fencing the high school football field, all 1,650 feet of it.

Burke has a way of bringing energy and life to a project, but he is modest in his accomplishments

Of the high school fencing project, he says, “This project wouldn’t be possible without the help of people like Bill Jacobson, Steve Vantress, Brian Jackson and Phil Rerat, who donated the logs and then constructed the entryway. And that man over there is indispensable,” he said, pointing to long-time employee Aaron St. Jeor, who drives all the way from Crooked River Ranch to volunteer his time for Burke.

Baseball players and fans will also appreciate the long hours Burke has donated in getting the new SOAR/Kiwanis fields underway. Baseball, in fact, is a passion for Burke even though he himself never had the chance to play it.

“Everyone in my family worked when I was a kid because my dad was ill,” he said.

But Burke’s oldest son, Pat, took to baseball literally at the age of one and the Burke family quickly became addicted to the sport, regularly traveling with the teams his son played on.

“Really, sports in general are a passion for me,” he said. “I prefer amateur sports by far. The lessons kids learn on the playing field can last a lifetime.”

When he’s not working and volunteering, Burke and his family are on the go.

“The outdoors is part of our life,” he said.

Camping, fishing, ATVs — it doesn’t seem to matter, he loves it all.

As for fishing, he says, “It’s not the fishing or the catching, it’s just getting out. We live in a spectacular area, and I try not to take it for granted.”

People wanting to volunteer may reach Burke at 549-4834.