Michael "Mike" D. Burke

Mike D. Burke, 86, of Hailey, Idaho, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at his home in Hailey, Idaho.

05 Nov 1939 - 19 Feb 2026

Michael Burke passed away peacefully at his home in Hailey on Thursday, February 19th. Born in the Bronx NY, to John and Virginia (née Lynch) Burke, Mike attended Regis High School, then Fordham University. Commissioned as an officer in the Marine Corps at graduation, he fulfilled his dream to become a fighter pilot and was a lifelong devotee of the F-8U Crusader.

He later joined Pan American Airways where he met and married a Pan Am purser, Theresa Thompson of London, England. Seasoned world travelers, they resided for a year each in Abbotts Ann, England, St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria and West Berlin, West Germany. Mike and Terry made Hailey, Idaho their home for fifty years, sharing a passion for Sun Valley skiing and the great outdoors of the glorious Wood River Valley, along with their beloved Irish Setters.

Mike was predeceased by Terry in 2022 and is survived by his brother Andrew and sister Maryellen, of Raleigh, NC, and four nephews (John, Michael, Adam, Matthew), as well as his brother Stephan of Guilford, CT and two nieces (Megan, Kathryn).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley or Mountain Humane of Hailey, ID.

In keeping with Mike's wishes, no formal services will be held.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family in the guestbook section below.