BURCHARD, Robert P. (“Bob”)
On September 21, 2021, Bob Burchard of Springfield, Virginia, formerly of Catonsville, Maryland, died of Parkinson’s disease complications. He was born in NYC in 1938, shortly after his parents, Walter and Martha Burchard, immigrated from France. He grew up on a chicken farm in Florham Park, NJ, where he and his sister had many chores, including weekly egg deliveries by wagon to neighborhood homes. The farm later became a day camp, where the siblings also had chores and attended camp. Bob was a Boy Scout and later a proud Eagle Scout.
Bob received his B.A. and M.Sc. from Brown University and his Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Minnesota. He then served in Nigeria in the Peace Corps just a few years after its 1961 start, teaching microbiology at Obafemi Awolowo University, formerly University of Ife.
After returning to the U.S., Bob joined the faculty of newly opened University of Maryland Baltimore County as a professor of biological science for 33 years.
He taught undergrads, supported and guided graduate students and did research, including often on weekends. Remembering Bob in a campus announcement, UMBC’s President, Provost and Dean of Science wrote in part, “Bob believed in the potential of the young university that he joined during its first year. A campus leader for decades, he served as president of the faculty senate, interim chair of his department, and as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.” After retiring, Bob volunteered there for another 14 years, teaching, researching and working on committees and maintaining a strong connection with
UMBC’s Library.
In retirement, Bob also co-founded and chaired the Baltimore Inner City Outings program of the Sierra Club, which became Inspiring Connections Outdoors, still providing opportunities for Baltimore’s “urban youth and adults to explore, enjoy and protect the natural world.” He worked to build financial capacity
for the program so more children could camp, hike and explore the outdoor world. And, years before it became an urgent concern, Bob devoted much time and effort to saving energy and reducing the causes and consequences of climate change and teaching and encouraging others to do the same.
Bob and his wife Ann were devoted supporters of the arts, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Center Stage, Walters Art Museum and UMBC’s theatre program. They also enjoyed travel and appreciated the outdoors, including as trail-maintenance volunteers. Bob is survived by Ann, his son Robert (Beth), daughter Rachel (Brian), sister Carol (Walter), four grandchildren and cousins. Memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to CARE https://www. care.org/ or UMBC’s arts or sciences https://giving.