Robert L. Burkhart
"I believe as you go through life, a person has to give and not just take. Plant the seed and see what grows." Robert Burkhart (Da Burk) died Saturday, Oct 20, 2018 at the grand age of 89.
Bob was a man who lived his life. He graduated from St John’s Military Academy and attended Michigan State. He married,had four children, and was a businessman in Waukegan Illinois. He than became involved in the Community Action Program and helped construct and then run a Youth Center for disadvantaged children. He also developed a free lunch program. One of his greatest prides was getting involved in the National Literacy Program and starting a Library for the kids and their families. He would literally stand in a dumpster and collect discarded books and magazines from a distribution center as they came down the dump ramp.
Bob met Ellen, his wife and love of 44 years. Moved to Michigan, attended nursing school, and became an LPN. They joined the Peace Corps and served in Nicaragua in 1978. Started a clinic and then were evacuated due to the revolution. Moved to ABQ where he volunteered with Visiting Nurses and worked at UNMH and UNM Mental Health. After moving to Los Lunas, Bob taught tennis lessons to kids at the Bosque Farms tennis courts. Bob was not a saint. He was always up for a good drink, good meal, good party. He was an avid tennis player, enjoyed dancing, camping, painting, and creating beautiful crewel and embroidery pieces. What everyone loved was his cooking. A constant joy was friends over for dinner. He created a Living Cookbook for family and friends. Bob also loved to travel. Backpacked through Europe 3 times, traveled to Cancun, Belize, Cabo, and several trips to New Orleans to hear his favorite Blues and Dixieland. Thanks to Pres Hospice staff. Special love to Beckala, Denise, Suzanne, Jeannie, Gil, Roy, John, Barb and Fred, Miss Karen, and to Gail and Linda for visiting him on his last day, and daughter, Heather, for all her loving cards and calls.
Bob will be cremated and a Celebration Party held at a later date. Anyone wanting to participate, call Ellen.
We know Burk is Dancing in the Stars and cooking for the Gods.