Robert Merrill "Rob" Burr

Robert "Rob" Merrill Burr, 50, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Rob was born to Greg and Linda Burr in Tacoma, WA, on December 13, 1974.
Rob was raised on Fox Island alongside his mom, dad, and sister Andrea. Surrounded by water, he spent much of his childhood fishing, diving, and waterskiing, nurturing a deep and lasting passion for the ocean. His days were filled with sports and endless adventures, running freely with friends, neighbors, and his sister, creating memories that shaped his youth. In his sophomore year at Gig Harbor High School, Rob met his future wife, Nikki. He attended Washington State University before returning home, becoming a dedicated fan of his alma mater. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Business.
After finishing his undergraduate studies, Rob returned to Gig Harbor. He and Nikki were married soon after returning from WSU and enjoyed 27 years of marriage. A few years later, he and Nikki welcomed their son, Justin, and daughter, Paige. Rob's greatest priority was his family and building a meaningful, joyful life for them. He was a devoted husband and father, passionate, caring, and always quick with a joke or movie reference to make his loved ones smile. As a father, whether coaching his kids' sports teams, planning unforgettable vacations, or diving into new hobbies with them, Rob had a gift for turning everyday moments into lasting memories. He brought energy, laughter, and heart to everything he did.
Professionally, Rob built a career in IT, most recently serving as Vice President of Analytics and IT Innovation at Optum. He was known for his strong work ethic, innovative thinking, and ability to solve complex problems with practical solutions. Colleagues admired his leadership, strategic mindset, and unwavering commitment to supporting his team's success. Throughout his career, Rob earned a reputation as a forward-thinking, dependable professional who truly cared about his work and the people around him.
One of Rob's greatest passions was snowboarding. During the winter months, weekends often meant piling into the car and heading to White Pass. It became more than a hobby, it was a tradition, a source of joy, and one of his favorite ways to spend time with his kids. He knew Fuji, Middle Run, Skate Park, and other self-coined ski runs like the back of his hand. Snowboarding brought Rob pure happiness. Whether carving through fresh powder or warming up with a beer at High Camp, he treasured those moments on the slopes. Watching his kids develop a love for the sport made it even more meaningful. Justin was especially fast on the board, so fast that Rob would try to film him with his GoPro, but often ended up laughing at how quickly Justin disappeared down the hill. It became a running joke and a symbol of how proud Rob was of his son's skill and spirit. Snowy weekends meant more to Rob than just time on the mountain, they were a chance to be fully present with his kids, to laugh, connect, and create lasting memories. Snowboarding was his happy place, and sharing it with his friends and kids made it truly special.
Rob also had a deep love for the town of Westport. It was one of his favorite places to relax, reset, and spend time with his family. He loved everything about it, the salty air, the quiet beaches, and the familiar routines that made each visit special. Whether he was out fishing, walking the shore in search of glass floats, or just sitting in the sand watching the sunset, Westport always brought him a sense of calm. He especially enjoyed heading into town for a good cup of chowder or a crab melt at one of his favorite spots. With music playing and the ocean nearby, Rob felt completely at peace. Westport wasn't just a getaway, it was a place that made him truly happy.
Rob had a deep love for music that was a constant part of his life. Some of his favorite artists included Pearl Jam, Jack Johnson, Led Zeppelin, Guns N' Roses, and Soundgarden. Thanks to Nikki's love for country music, he also grew to enjoy artists like Kenny Chesney, Chris Stapleton, and Zac Brown Band. Rob especially cherished sharing concerts and live music experiences with friends and family. One of his most memorable concerts was seeing Jimmy Page and Robert Plant at the Gorge Amphitheatre, which he attended with his dad and cousin Steve. For Rob, life was better with music; it followed him everywhere and set the tone for everything he did.
Rob was also passionate about cooking. Whether he was putting together a charcuterie board for a Coug game or spending all night and day smoking ribs, he always added his own special twist to every dish. He especially enjoyed catching fish or digging clams in Westport, then cooking up his fresh catch for dinner. Nothing made him happier than bringing home seafood and firing up the barbecue to share a meal with others.
Rob's life was filled with love, laughter, and a deep connection to family, nature, and everything he was passionate about. Whether on the water, the mountain, or at home with those he loved, he lived fully and joyfully. He never took a moment for granted. His spirit and the memories he created will continue to inspire and warm the hearts of all who knew him.
Rob is survived by his parents, Greg and Linda Burr; his wife, Nikki Burr; his children, Justin and Paige Burr; his sister, Andrea Peterson; his brother-in-law, Cody Peterson; his nephew, Cohen Peterson; his parents-in-law, Gwen and Scott Chunn; his best friend and cousin, Steve Yates; as well as many other cherished friends and family members.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.