From Tragedy to Triumph: A Grandfather’s Promise and How Imperial Sir Richard Burke Revives the Heartbeat of the Shrine
- trevor3861
- May 12
- 8 min read
By Trevor Eliott (Mr Fancy Fez)| Reviving the Heartbeat Series
When we consider great fraternal leaders—those who not only wear the jewels of office but also inspire others to embody the Craft’s highest ideals—few stand as tall as Imperial Sir Richard Burke, Imperial Potentate for 2024–2025. His life, as chronicled in the recent documentary, is not merely a personal story. It is a roadmap for leadership that resonates across Freemasonry, the Shrine, and beyond.
Through the lens of the EMVP Framework—Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose—we can see how Sir Burke’s journey offers lessons for every noble, Mason, and community leader seeking to create a meaningful legacy.
ENERGY: Driven by Compassion and Commitment
Imperial Sir Richard Burke and Leslie D. Stewart, Chairman of the Shriners Children’s Board of Trustees, stand together at the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open—celebrating partnership, philanthropy, and the vision driving the future of Shriners Children’s.
Energy in leadership is not just physical stamina. It’s the emotional and spiritual force that propels a leader to act when others hesitate. Sir Burke’s life has been defined by such energy—from his early years in Endicott, New York, to his rapid ascension within Shrine leadership.
His family and colleagues describe him as someone who "doesn’t know where he finds all the hours in the day." As one close friend observed:
"I think his calendar’s a little different than mine. I think he might have an extra day or two in the week, or at least 30 hours on his clock" - Gary "Shoofly" Lewis, Friend.
But Sir Burke’s energy is not just about doing more. It’s about serving more.
That drive intensified after tragedy struck his family—the loss of his beloved granddaughter, Leah, following a household accident. The care and compassion shown by Shriners Children’s Cincinnati did more than ease a family’s sorrow; it ignited a calling.
"Something in Richard, Papa, changed. He saw a selfless service that those people were giving" - Shelly McCammon, Daughter
Upon returning home, Richard didn’t retreat into grief. He channeled his pain into purposeful action, becoming a Shriner and quickly rising through the ranks. His energy became a force for good, ensuring that the same compassion his family received would be extended to countless others.
MENTORSHIP: Building Family and Fraternity
Imperial Sir Richard Burke and Noble Trevor Eliott share a meaningful mentoring moment during the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open—where leadership, fellowship, and the future of the Shrine come together on and off the course.
Mentorship is the lifeblood of any enduring organization. Sir Burke’s leadership is deeply rooted in a mentoring philosophy that extends from his family to the entire Shriner community.
His stepchildren, grandchildren, and even his son-in-law all describe him not just as a family member, but as a guide and steadfast supporter:
"He's always treated me like a son. He’s always been like a dad—very compassionate, very forgiving with advice" - Adam McCall, Son in Law.
"My grandparents would do anything for us and ensure that everyone is successful" - Trey McCall, Grandson.
This approach to family is mirrored in his approach to fraternity. Fellow Nobles recall how, after joining the Shrine, Burke quickly took on leadership roles in his local club, mentoring others and building a strong team before advancing to Divan roles.
One Shrine leader noted:
"Typically, that's something somebody has waited 10, 15, 20 years before they run. Richard moved along very quickly because he's driven and he's hard working" - Gary "Shoofly" Lewis, Friend.
More importantly, Richard lifted others as he climbed. He placed Nobles in positions where they could thrive, empowering them to grow while still offering steady guidance.
"I'm gonna put the right people in charge... I want my legacy to be that people would know me as approachable, friendly, kind, but willing to make the tough decisions" - Imperial Sir Richard Burke
In both family and fraternity, Burke’s mentorship has created a multiplier effect. His teachings ripple outward, strengthening individuals and the institutions they serve.
VISIBILITY: Leading with Transparency and Heart
Imperial Sir Richard Burke and fellow Imperial Officers proudly represented Shriners International at the 100th Anniversary of the Shrine Bowl in Dallas, Texas—celebrating a century of impact through sports, service, and Shrine visibility on a national stage.
Visibility in leadership is not merely about being seen. It’s about being known—known for integrity, empathy, and the courage to face challenges openly.
Sir Burke’s visibility begins with his genuine connection to people. Whether at his grandchildren’s sporting events or Shrine parades, he shows up not out of obligation, but from an authentic desire to support and uplift others.
His family reflected:
"They've (Richard and Judy) always went to my tennis matches in high school, and even throughout college they'll text me, make sure I'm doing good" - Kylie McCammon, Grand Daughter.
"They (Richard and Judy) bring a light to the Shriners as well, with their personalities and their love" - Thomas McCall, Grandson
Professionally, Richard is known as a leader who balances accountability with approachability:
"He'll back you to the hill if you're right. He'll counsel you if you're wrong. But he will give you every benefit of the doubt" - Jim Burke, Brother
His colleagues describe him as a "centered human being" who places the needs of others above his own ambitions. His decision-making reflects not only business savvy but emotional intelligence—qualities that are essential for a visible leader navigating the complexities of a global fraternity.
Moreover, Sir Burke’s storytelling—especially about Leah and the Shriners Children’s mission—has become a cornerstone of his public persona. By openly sharing personal tragedy and triumph, he has humanized leadership and inspired others to see the deeper purpose of our work.
PURPOSE: Turning Personal Loss into Global Impact
Purpose is where energy, mentorship, and visibility converge. It is the “why” that fuels all action.
Sir Burke’s purpose became crystal clear in the wake of Leah’s passing. Rather than allowing grief to consume him, he transformed it into a mission to ensure that no family would ever face such challenges alone.
"Judy and I are both always driven by what we can do for Leah. She doesn't want Leah's memory to be nothing" - Imperial Sir Richard Burke
That purpose has guided every step of his Shrine journey:
Elevating the mission of Shriners Children’s through strategic leadership.
Empowering Nobles to serve their communities with excellence.
Fostering family-like bonds within the fraternity.
His strategic vision also reflects purpose-driven leadership. As Imperial Potentate, Burke has outlined clear objectives:
"I planned to visit as many entities as I can. I want to go to associations and I'm gonna put the right people in charge. I want to improve what we do" - Imperial Sir Richard Burke
But purpose is not just about efficiency or growth. It’s about making meaning—both for the individual leader and for those they serve.
One of the most moving scenes in the documentary recounts the final moments with Leah:
"The entire staff at the hospital came in that room and locked hands around the entire hospital room, and stood there with me... I held her body... and while I was holding her with probably 50 plus people in that room, she passed away in my arms" - Imperial Sir Richard Burke
That memory—painful, yes, but also sacred—became the spark for a lifetime of service. It reminds us all that leadership is not about titles or regalia. It’s about turning personal trials into collective triumphs.
Conclusion: A Living Example of EMVP Leadership
Imperial Sir Richard Burke is proudly fezzed by Lady Judy during his Installation as Imperial Potentate in July 2024, Reno, Nevada—symbolizing not only leadership but the unwavering support of family at the heart of our fraternity.
Imperial Sir Richard Burke exemplifies the EMVP framework not as a theoretical model but as a lived reality:
His Energy is boundless, driven by love and responsibility.
His Mentorship lifts both family and fraternity, creating a ripple effect of growth.
His Visibility reflects integrity and the courage to be emotionally transparent.
His Purpose transforms personal loss into global impact.
"I want my legacy to be that people would know me as approachable, friendly, kind, but having to make the tough decisions when I needed to make them" - Imperial Sir Richard Burke
In Sir Burke’s leadership, we see not just the heart of a Shriner—but the heartbeat of the entire fraternal movement. His story challenges each of us to consider:
How do we channel our energy toward meaningful service?
Who are we mentoring, and who are we empowering to lead?
Are we showing up visibly, not for recognition, but to build trust?
And most importantly, what is our purpose—the “why” that makes all the effort worthwhile?
As Shriners, Masons, and community leaders, may we all strive to embody the same EMVP principles that Richard Burke lives every day. In doing so, we not only honor his legacy—we continue to revive the heartbeat of our Craft and our cause.
How to Apply This to Your Local Shrine Temple
Sir Burke’s journey shows how personal stories, leadership values, and strategic action can be combined to revitalize a temple. Applying the EMVP framework at the local level might look like this:
Energy
Encourage Nobles to engage not only in attending events but in contributing new ideas and taking ownership of projects.
Identify areas where the temple needs fresh energy—like youth engagement, club growth, or public outreach—and empower passionate members to lead.
Mentorship
Create formal and informal mentorship pairings between seasoned Nobles and newer members.
Celebrate and recognize mentorship efforts. This can be as simple as a “Mentor of the Month” acknowledgment or testimonial stories in newsletters.
Visibility
Increase public visibility through meaningful community partnerships, events, and storytelling.
Encourage Nobles to share their personal stories of why they became Shriners—especially how Shriners Children’s has touched their lives or inspired them.
Purpose
Revisit and clarify the temple’s purpose beyond meetings and fundraising. Why does the temple exist? What legacy does it want to leave in the community?
Align all activities, investments, and leadership efforts around that core purpose.
Individual Reflection Questions for Nobles
These can be asked in small groups, mentorship sessions, or personal reflection exercises:
Energy
Where do I feel the most energy and passion in my Shrine experience?
How can I contribute more of my time or skills to areas where the temple needs fresh energy?
Mentorship
Who has mentored me in my Shrine journey? What did I learn from them?
Am I actively mentoring or supporting at least one newer Noble?
Visibility
How can I help increase the visibility of our temple’s good work in the community?
Have I shared my personal Shriner story with others recently?
Purpose
What is my personal "why" for being a Shriner today?
How does my work in the Shrine reflect my deeper values and the legacy I want to leave?
Group Discussion Questions for Temple Leadership or Membership
Ideal for leadership retreats, planning meetings, or committee discussions.
Energy
What areas of our temple’s work feel energized and vibrant? Which areas feel stagnant?
How can we better align projects and roles with the passions and strengths of our Nobility?
Mentorship
Do we have an intentional mentorship structure? If not, how can we build one?
How are we recognizing and encouraging Nobles who mentor others?
Visibility
How visible are we in our community right now? Are people aware of the Shrine’s mission and impact?
What stories or successes should we be sharing more widely to build awareness and inspire involvement?
Purpose
What is our temple’s "why"? How clearly is it communicated to members and the public?
Are our major events, fundraisers, and initiatives aligned with our deeper purpose, or have we drifted toward routine without meaning?
Legacy
What legacy do we want to leave for the next generation of Nobles?
How will future Shriners look back on this period of our temple’s history?
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