BURK, Robert "Bob" 63, of Palm Harbor, passed away on July 9, 2013. Bob had a gift for enjoying life to the fullest. People from all walks of life were drawn to Bob's easygoing personality, his salt-of-the-earth character, great sense of humor and radiant smile. Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Paula; his mother, Rosemary; brother, Ken (Gary); sister, Sue (Dempsey); nephews, Jonah, Aaron and Ben, and niece, (Erin); and many other family members and friends who will miss him deeply. He is predeceased by his father, Kenneth Sr. An avid outdoorsman, Bob was a competitive trap-shooter and golfer. He was passionate about all aspects of nature. He xeriscaped his back yard to attract all kinds of wildlife; he kept the birdfeeder full and fresh water in the birdbaths. Vacations centered around fly fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities. He also enjoyed aspects of urban life, including museums, concerts and art galleries. He was a fabulous cook and loved to read. Bob was the owner/president of West Side Realty, a commercial real estate company. He was a broker/CCIM and worked in the Tampa Bay area since 1988. Bob was a charter member and former president of Sertoma (Clearwater), an international fund-raising organization supporting charitable causes. Growing up near Mars, PA (north of Pittsburgh), Bob worked on farms from a young age. As a teenager, he also worked for a tree nursery and the Forest Service. For 10 years in Pittsburgh, Bob was an ironworker, which included working on bridges over icy rivers and major high-rise construction projects. He earned a B.S.B.A. in Marketing from Robert Morris University (1983). He served in the Air Force (1969-1973), with assignments in Taiwan, the South Pacific and Brazil. A Celebration of Life event is scheduled for Oct. 12th, from 1-5 pm at Bon Appetit (Dunedin). In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob Burk's memory may be made to The Nature Conservancy at http://support.nature.org/site/TR/Events/General?pxfid=6030&fr_id=1030&pg=fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
This world has lost one of the good ones! I have known Bob for the past 9 years and will always remember his smile, wonderful personality and great sense of humor. You will be missed!
Patty
July 25, 2013
Bob was 26 and I had just turned 20 when we met on March 4, 1976. We instantly enjoyed each other's company and I was entranced for the next 37 years by his beautiful smile, kindness and compassion for people, his wisdom about life, and quick wit. Bob faced many serious medical challenges starting at age 28 -- I was always amazed at how he maintained a positive outlook and never complained no matter how sick he was. Bob has been an inspiration to many people over the course of his life, including many of his doctors.
There are two French phrases that I have always used when describing my husband: the first is "joie de vivre," meaning "joy of life." Bob truly knew how to enjoy life every day. The second phrase is "raison d'etre," which means "reason for being." I just loved to be with him no matter what we were doing. Bob was my raison d'etre -- our relationship was a 37-year romance -- we never lost "the magic" that drew us together from the first time we met. I could never imagine life without him and now my greatest fear has become a reality. I am honoring Bob's life by being committed to trying to live the next chapter of my life. I am also inspired by the example my mother set for me when faced with adversity -- it made her stronger and more determined. She passed away five days before my husband. A truly unimaginable occurence of events. Bob and my mother were my two best friends. I miss them both more than words can express but I learned from both of them how important it is to carry on.
Thank you, Bob, for all the love we shared throughout our time together. You will always be a major part of who I am.
Your adoring wife,
Paula
July 23, 2013
Plain and simple, Bob was one of the greatest people I've ever been lucky enough to know. The warmest, kindest man. I'll miss my uncle so much.
Aaron Gottlieb
July 23, 2013
It was a privilege and honor to meet such a wonderful man as Bob. Thank you Paula for bringing him into our lives. Your beautiful love for each other was extraordinary and I'm sure will remain with you always. With love and prayers.
Charlotte/Mike Kopay
July 23, 2013
So sorry to hear about Bob he will be missed Ray Miller and the Guy's at the Silver Dollar Gun Club
July 23, 2013
thinking of you Paula...Kim, RN
kim allison
July 22, 2013
bob was a warm, welcoming soul who made everyone feel at ease. his beautiful personality and wonderful marriage are a tribute to all who knew him. rest in peace, bob
marcie gotlieb
July 22, 2013
That face and smile speaks volumes of Bob.I knew him from the Y. RIP Bob.
Zeke Taylor
July 22, 2013
Ten years ago when I had cancer, Bob told me not to worry, that I would get past it. I took those words to heart, and they comforted me when I was afraid. I still remember those words and Bob himself whenever I find myself comforting someone who's having a hard time. Bob was unflinchingly positive about everything and everyone, even at times when negativity could easily have taken hold. He's been an inspiration to everyone who knew him.
July 22, 2013
Love the photo as that is always the way I will remember Bob....interested, interesting, full of life, care for others and a bit mischievous........especially around Bowers and Tooke! I'm glad to have known and worked with Bob.
Jim Parker
July 22, 2013
Bob was a good friend over the years. The last time I saw him was a year ago at a friendly poker game. We were all in fine spirits and Bob's wonderful sense of humor was on display! Sorry to learn of his passing, loved reading the tribute to a truly nice guy.
John Skicewicz
July 22, 2013
Paula,
A beautiful tribute to Rob. Thank you.
Sue&Dempsey
July 21, 2013
Bob has always been an inspiration to me and I am sure many others, for his unique ability to handle adversity with patience, humor, and kindness to others. He will be missed by all who knew him. With sadness and love from Sarah
Sarah Scanga
July 21, 2013
Beautiful job Paula...Bob was a very lucky man. We Love you. Randy and Ellen
Randy/Ellen Bowers
July 21, 2013
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