David Burke Rose
David Burke Rose died on September 4, 2026. He was the oldest of six children born to Raymond and Lois Rose on November 7, 1938 in Madison Indiana. He graduated from Madison High School in 1956 and attended Hanover College as a commuter student for one year before setting off to Texas and attending the University of Texas at Arlington, all while working a 50+ hour week. He was hired directly from his electrical engineering studies by IBM.
His IBM career spanned 38 years and multiple phases of computer development including working on the maintenance of the early machines to programming and management. David moved his family to Raleigh in the early 70's. Even in retirement, David was constantly updating his computer skills and helping all his friends with ever-changing technology.
He could fix almost anything; our mountain property was pristine; he was a runner, a biker, a long distance walker. On his 70th birthday he hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and early this summer he eluded his caregivers and walked three miles!
He loved travel. He and Margaret enjoyed their RV, "Closqtrs", and visited all the lower 48 and into Canada. He was a Scoutmaster for five years in Raleigh and took his troupe to Philmont Scout Ranch, including two of his sons. He took each of his grandchildren on at least one road trip. He especially liked adventure trips and backpacking. Even his volunteering involved trail upkeep or gardening at the Art Museum. He was happiest at his mountain cabin near Lansing, NC.
Surviving are his wife Margaret Todd; his children Brian, Kenny, Susan (Carroll)and Steven; his siblings Jim (TX), Doug (FL) and Jeanne (Raleigh); and his grandchildren Tommy, Zack, Dillon, Emily, David, Matthew, Brandon, Aubrey, Trevor, Jay and Maris. He is also survived by six greatgrandchildren, and his stepson Lance Jordan. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Robert and Art.
For those who ushered David through the last three years with Alzheimer's, the family has only gratitude.
Transitions Lifecare and City of Oaks Crematory and Funeral Home took care of end of life. Friends are invited to gather with his family on Friday, September 25 at Martinique Clubhouse at 3:00p.m. to share memories. You might consider supporting either The Nature Conservancy or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in his memory, but nothing is requested - no flowers - just a story to share with all.