Hugh Carey / hcarey@summitdaily.com
Breckenridge announced the death of Mark Burke on Wednesday, as the town mourns the loss of the former town councilman and local business owner.
Elected in 2010 and re-elected again four years later, Burke served two terms on council. He served as Breckenridge rebounded from the Great Recession, and he’s been credited for playing an important role in many of the town’s achievements over the last eight years, including construction of the Arts District, the addition of numerous workforce housing units and the creation of the Summit County South Branch Library in Breckenridge.
In an interview with the Summit Daily last year, he recalled entering office believing he’d be pro-business, only to find out he would often support issues like early childhood education, the environment and other initiatives that had little to do with business.
Eli Pace / epace@summitdaily.com
Burke left office when his second term expired in April 2018, and he had been suffering from some problems with his health. However, he recently sought a position on the Summit Board of County Commissioners when it came open this winter.
“Mark was a dedicated and loyal public servant and community member whose legacy will be evident in Breckenridge for years to come,” reads a statement issued by the town Wednesday morning. “We send our condolences to all of Mark’s family and friends.”
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.