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~ ~ t From city government, to the fue department, to the Lions, to St. Genevieve church, to baseball teams and bowling team, to his neighbors, Francis Burque was always there. He was a man who not only respected his wife, family and friends, but also his community. Respect for others as well as expecting it for himself is what meant everything to him. Francis loved Centerville and you could always see that through his involvement. In an article written by Jim Nazel of The Dispatch July 20, 1980, Mr. Burque was quoted as saying, "You don't get much for what you do, and no thanks. I've just about had it now." We would like to at this time to give to his family the overwhelming appreciation that this community has for all the selfless work he did for Centerville and its residents throughout his lifetime. It is difficult to do so much for what at times seems so little. People like Francis Burque have a special gift for knowing deep down in their hearts they are doing the right thing. He is a man who deserves to be honored for his accomplishments and remembered for his expressions of his pride in his community and his responsibility as a citizen. For this, we give you our thanks for a job well done. This report would not be complete without noting that beside every good man usually stands a great woman. Francis Burque is no exception. It must be noted that his wife Audrey and his children also gave selflessly to our community. They not only gave up dinners missed due to meetings, snow that needed to be plowed or fires that needed to be fought. They gave up time with Francis so he could help others. In addition to serving as secretary to the city, Audrey served as secretary on the Centerville School Board for many years. She weathered the storm that was created when the school district was split up and the current Centennial School District was formed. Thank you for all that your family sacrificed for the good of our community. *A very special thank you to Audrey Burque for all the help she was in the writing of the story and the use of her photos for this piece. Photos made possible with the help of Robert Thein of White Bear Lake.