Dr. Vernon Bourke, a retired professor of philosophy, died May 4 at St. John's Mercy Medical Center. He was 91.

Dr. Bourke taught at the University from 1931 until he retired in 1975.

He was the author of more than 20 books, including Augustine's Love of Wisdom.

"Vernon was one of the main forces in bringing the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine to the attention of the modern world," said J. Barry McGannon, SJ, University chancellor. "He was heavily involved in the development of the Thomistic movement in philosophy and a major contributor to the emphasis on Thomism in the department of philosophy at Saint Louis University."

Dr. Bourke was a past president of the American Catholic Philosophical Association and an honorary member of the Order of St. Augustine. He was a member of the Natural Law Board at the University of Notre Dame and of Phi Beta Kappa fraternity. He also was the University's first hockey coach during the 1930s.

Born in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Bourke earned his doctorate from the University of Toronto, which named him a distinguished alumnus in 1988. He also received many honorary degrees from various colleges and universities.

Dr. Bourke was married for 50 years to his wife Janet, who died in December. He is survived by two daughters, a son, eight grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pius XII Library Fund at Saint Louis University or to Catholic Charities.

Shanbagam Chinnadurai, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics, died April 28. She was 51. She is survived by her husband, Dr. G. Chinnadurai, professor of molecular virology, and two sons.

Condolences are offered to the following employees:

• Mary Ann Bindbeutel, administrative assistant in the physical therapy department, on the death of her mother, Mrs. Mary Hall, on April 14.

• Kathryn Jackson, department administrator in the graduate program in orthodontics, on the death of her father, Mr. Raymond Schmidt, on April 17.

• Dr. Mary Lou Bennett, director of pastoral care, on the death of her mother, Mrs. Henrietta Halter, on April 29.

• Bill Bollwerk, major gifts officer in development, on the death of his mother, Mrs. Virginia Bollwerk, on April 30.

• Elisabeth Heiberg, M.D., a radiologist for the department of radiology, on the death of her mother, Mrs. Gerd Heiberg, on May 16.

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