Robert Burns

Robert R. Burns, 86, of Long Beach passed away February 11, 2008 in Long Beach following a brief illness. Bob was born Sept 25, 1921 in Ellensburg, WA to Chester and Margaret (Williams) Burns. He grew up in Ellensburg, attending school there and after a year in college he joined the Army serving as a radio operator in the Asia Pacific Theater. After the service, Bob went to work for the US Postal Service and this was his career for thirty years until his retirement in 1981. On July 28, 1960 he married Jean Strah and they settled in the Seattle Metro area where they raised their family. They had property in Long Beach and in 1995 moved here permanently. Bob was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Seaview. He also belonged to the Eagles and Elks lodges. He was an avid bowler, and was recently profiled in a Observer article on senior bowlers. An adventurous traveler, Jean and Bob had just returned from a two-week cruise from Spain to Miami. They also enjoyed traveling in their RV. In 1917 Bob's father purchased a King Touring motorcar. Passed on to his son, and over the years Bob spent many hours restoring this wonderful family heirloom. Jean survives at the family home in Long Beach. In addition are children Kathryn Miller of Everett, WA, Francis Burns of Germany, Earl Burns of Nevada and Roseann Ballard of Nevada; grand children Angela, Rory and Melody and great-grand children Aaron and Kirstyn. A son, Robert Burns, preceded him in death. A funeral service will take place Saturday, February 23 at 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea. Internment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Everett, WA. Family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to either American Cancer Society or South Pacific County Humane Society. Guestbook may be signed at www.penttilaschapel.com.