The Greater Cincinnati Community Theater Community lost a very special man on Friday, December 15, 2018. Just 58 years young, Michael [Wayne] Burke, a founding member of the Sunset Players, passed away after a 6 month fight with lymphoma.

 

Per John Wesseling, long-time work and theatre collegue, and friend..."Mike was one of the kindest men I've ever known. He cared about everyone he knew – and many he didn’t.  I could go on for pages as to why Michael was, and is so special. If you are one of the hundreds of people whose lives he touched, you already know why!"

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Durring his 38 years with Sunset, Mike was involved in more than 140 shows and filled nearly every position from directing, acting, producing, makeup, set construction, stage managing, light execution, backstage managing, house staff and backstage crew.  This amounted to more than 15, 000 hours or 625 days of commitment to the group and community theater.  He received numerous awards for his efforts, including the Art Rouse Award for exceptional commitment and dedication to Community Theatre from the Association of Community Theaters of Greater Cincinnati.

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While his physical presence is missed every day, Mike's spirit remains a guiding force for us all!

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A special thanks to all Mike Burke Memorial Fund Donors