He was born in the Red River Settlement, the son of John Palmer Bourke, a native of Ireland, and Nancy Campbell. Bourke grew up on the Hay Field Farm in St. James, purchased by his father from the Hudson's Bay Company; he later inherited the farm. He married Isabella Hallett in 1863. Bourke served as captain leading a group of volunteers during the Fenian raids. He later served on the council for St. James and as a member of the local school board. Bourke died in Ocean Park, California and was buried in Winnipeg.