Robert J. Burns – circa 1940
Robert J. Burns was born on March 12, 1928 at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago. His parents were Edward Burns (11/11/1899 – 01/02/1962) a carpenter and Florence (Culling) Burns (02/01/1899 – 10/30/1980). Bob’s mother fell during her pregnancy resulting in a total loss of vision. Due to the Great Depression and hardships at home, Bob became a Ward of the State shortly after birth and was placed in the Chicago Orphanage. He had the good fortune to be raised by foster parents Robert and Margaret Stewart. Robert Stewart was originally a landlord/property owner in the vicinity of 63rd St. and Champlain Av. in Chicago. When Mr. Stewart learned he had cancer, he bought a 40-acre farm in Tinley Park, south of 159th and Harlem Avenue. The family lived there until Mr. Stewart’s death in 1944. As a youth, Bob earned $1 picking tomatoes and asparagus in Blue Island for the Libby McNeil and Libby plant.
While a grammar school student at Tinley Park Grade School, Bob joined Scouting in 1938 through a troop sponsored by the Tinley Park Methodist Church and led by his neighbor and Scoutmaster, Francis Wright. It was during this time that he attained the rank of First Class Scout. Attending Camp Robert Stuart in 1940 and 1941, Bob got his first glimpses of Owasippe. He, like so many other Chicago Scouts, took the Pere Marquette from Union Station to Whitehall, Michigan for two weeks of outdoor fun and training.
Unfortunately, with World War II in full swing, men were either off to war, or working double shifts at Defense plants – resulting in no adult leadership for many troops throughout the United States. Taking the call to arms, Bob joined the United States Navy in 1944, serving in the South Pacific on the USS New York (BB-34). He spent four years on active duty and four years in the Naval Reserves. At the conclusion of hostilities, Bob spent time at the Bikini Atoll – a direct witness to Operation Crossroad Baker on July 1, 1946 (tests of the atomic bomb at which time the USS New York was a target ship). Bob remembers, “When the bomb went off, the lowered little boats. Our group went in, we radioed back to the ship what was happening in the Bikini Atoll. Ships were on fire, sinking and all this kind of stuff. Everything was live ammunition. The only thing, instead of people, we had goats and sheep. Within a week, most everything was dead.” Before returning home, Bob would spend several years in a military hospital suffering the effects of acute radiation poisoning.
After his military service, Bob returned home to live with his foster mother and foster uncle. He found work as a truck mechanic for Ward Foods (later Interstate Brands), and retired as a Foreman after for 30 years. He remains a member of Mechanics Union – Local #701, having over 60 years of membership.
When he returned home he joined and later became an instructor at the Fred Astaire dance studio at 64th and Halsted Street. It was there that he met fellow dance instructor Carolyn Kinsella, later to become Mrs. Carolyn Burns on June 20, 1953. After marrying they settled in the Village of Worth, living in his mother-in-law’s home. Together, he and Carolyn had one son (John) and three daughters (the late Barbara, Mary, and Jennifer). Bob lost Carolyn on February 28, 2005 after 51 years of marriage.
Bob rejoined Scouting in the late 1960’s in the Tomahawk District serving as a Cubmaster for Pack 3668 and Scoutmaster of over 30+ years of Troop 668 sponsored by the Worth Methodist Church. He received the District Award of Merit from Tomahawk District in 1974, and the Silver Beaver Award in 1979. For his meritorious service, Bob was awarded the Distinguished Scoutmaster Award in 1992. Without missing a beat in terms of unit service, Bob also served as a District Commissioner for Tomahawk as well as the Training Chairman for both Tomahawk and Sauk Trail Districts. Bob has the distinction of being the “artist-in-residence” for the O/A Chapter, District, and even Chicago Area Council. Over the decades, he has been commissioned to design more patches than most people will ever wear!
Bob began his journey with the Order of the Arrow, with induction as an Ordeal Member into Nuwingi Chapter on May 01, 1971 at their Chapter’s Fellowship at Yorkville Scout Camp. He sealed his membership in the Order the following year on April 22, 1972. After being overlooked for many years, Bob was inducted into the ancient and honored order of Vigil Membership on May 28, 2000 at Owasippe on a beautiful night with much rain! Forever known thereafter as “Wetochwink Woapalanne” or Father of Eagles, in recognition of his years of service as a Scoutmaster and countless number of Eagle Scouts that passed under his tutelage.
Bob is an Honorary Life Member of the American Legion and participated in the “Honor Flight” on October 23, 2012; he had the corner of 112th St. and Depot St. in Worth Named in his honor in 2012.
When asked about his experiences in Scouting and as a Vigil Member, Bob reflects, “Scouting has more than anyone can imagine. Attend all of the events – learn and enjoy!”
Bob returned peacefully to his Creator on Saturday November 21, 2015 having died with his Scouting “boots on”. He attended his unit’s Pack night teaching Scouts proper flag etiquette and was planning to attend the annual Vigil Dinner on the day of his passing, when the Lord called him home. Rest in peace Brother Bob – your life of service has been a long one.
Bob Burns and Scouting friends at Camp Stuart – July 3, 1940
Robert J. Burns – 2012