Family man Alec is remembered

Describing him as “a straightforward and honest family man” Alec’s family are still trying to come to terms with their loss.

Alec, 62, was killed on February 15 when his car was in collision with a Vauxhall Astra. The circumstances surrounding the accident are as yet unknown, but a 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and has been bailed until March 5.

Alec’s wife of 32 years, Jane, said neither she nor the rest of Alec’s family want to dwell on, or think too much about the accident, adding: “He was such a careful driver, none of us can understand it. The accident is irrelevant - he’s not here, that’s all that matters to us.”

A local man in every sense of the word, Alexander Victor William Burke was born in Little Common on October 9, 1948 to Alec Snr and Phyllis.

One of five children Alec attended St Marks Primary School, Little Common. But Jane said school didn’t impress him much. “On his first day he decided he didn’t like school and got home before his mum had left the playground! He enjoyed an idyllic childhood playing with his mates in the woods and fields of the Little Common area. This little gang of minor tearaways had nicknames such as Houns, Coot, Duck, Barn Owl (they’re still around so won’t give their real names and embarrass them).

“Alec was called Cabbage. Dread to think why!”

Alec attended Downs Secondary School for Boys, later working at Downs Laundry and Sketchleys in Bexhill. He then became a painter and decorator with his father, and two brothers, Les and Bob.

Later, green-fingered Alec chose to take up gardening which daughter Caroline said he enjoyed for 18 years.

Caroline said: “He would always go the extra mile to ensure that his gardens were perfect, that his customers were happy. He built strong friendships with his customers who have spoken of what a lovely man he was and how nothing was too much trouble, and how much he will be missed both as their gardener and companion.”

Caroline said Alec was a knowledgeable man about plants, wildlife and “the way it all worked”. Birdwatching, countryside walks and fishing were amongst his favourite hobbies.

A keen carp fisher, Alec was a member of the Brickyard Lake Syndicate until he took up beach fishing at his favourite spot, often accompanied with his sons.

Alec and Jane married on July 20 1978, and he was father to Caroline, Joe, Sam and Victoria.

He was also a “doting and extremely proud grandad” to Megan, head girl at Bexhill High, Gracie, who plays football for Eastbourne FC, and Caleb, Naima and Evie. There is another grandchild on the way.

Caroline said: “It’s hard to put anything into words, Dad was just always there. I can’t believe he won’t be around anymore.

“I will miss his silly giggling fits, especially when the rest of us weren’t sure what was so funny! He was just an honest man who adored my mum and loved being with his family.”

• Alec’s funeral takes place at 11.30am on March 3 at Eastbourne Crematorium and the family says anyone who knew him is welcome to attend.