Robert Bob L. Burns' Obituary
Robert (Bob) L Burns, 72, of Tacoma, WA passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2014, surrounded by those he loved best.
Bob was born in Astoria, OR, on March 20, 1942, to the late Frances Fern (Nedry) Burns. Bob graduated from Central Union High School in 1960. He joined the air force shortly after high school and served as a communications specialist at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. Upon leaving military he went to business school and was immediately hired to by the Milwaukee railroad, where he stayed for 13 years before switching to St. Regis in 1979. He worked for St. Regis, which then changed to Simpson Lumber, until 1986. Bob began working for the Social Security Administration in 1989 and finished his working years upon his retirement from the Agency in 2000.
Though he worked many places throughout his life, Bob's passion was always the railroad and to those of us that loved him a train whistle will forever bring him to mind. Bob had many hobbies and enjoyed golfing, pool, bowling and playing pinochle. He was a lifelong loyal fan to local sports teams the Mariners, Sonics and of course the Seahawks (AKA the Seachickens). Bob loved to tell his stories to anyone who was around to listen. Wherever he went people were drawn to his wonderful sense of humor and he always kept us laughing.
Bob is survived by the love of his life Eunice' M Burns, his seven children; Julie Koford of Vancouver WA, Teresa Housh of Fayetteville NC, Robert Burns and his wife (and Bob's honorary daughter) Lauren Burns, Anthony Burns, Molly Burns, Michael Burns and Emily Burns, all of Tacoma WA. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren; Alex, Tyler, Diana, Nathan, Tanner, Elizabeth, Katherine and Lillian. In addition, he was survived by his five sisters Sandra Hawkins, Rusk Sahnow, Trudy Riley, Christie Buckholtz and Dena Woodcock as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
There will not be a public celebration of his life.
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