WATERLOO, WI (BRAIN)—The Milwaukee businessman who in 1976 created one of the most iconic and successful bike brands to ever grace shop floors, Trek, passed away late Monday night.
He was 73 years old.
According to son and Trek president John Burke, Dick's health had been deteriorating "and over the weekend he said goodbye to close family and friends. It was vintage Big Guy," John said. Dick died due to complications from heart surgery.
"It’s hard to believe that it is over. He fought the good fight," John said.
Industry veteran Harry Manko, who knew Burke for many years, remembered Burke for his perseverance, and as a strong, resolute believer in Trek.
“He was quite a success story. He built up Trek from a rather small beginning and built it into a one of the leading companies, it was really quite a success story. He deserves a lot of credit. We lost a very enterprising and visionary member in our industry," Manko said.
For more on the life of Dick Burke, be sure to read the April 1 issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.
—Jason Norman, Nicole Formosa
