Robert (Bob) Burt
July 6, 2022
Obituary
It is with broken hearts that we advise of the passing of Robert (Bob) Burt, at 69 years of age.
Robert passed away peacefully at his home in Topsail, Conception Bay South. Predeceased by his parents, Bronson and Helen Burt. Leaving to mourn his beloved wife of 47 years, Sharon (née Christiansen), son Robert (Katie), daughter Karla (Justin Kelly), and his grandsons who were his pride and joy; Charles, Harrison and Liam. Also leaving to mourn his brother Gord (Eileen Cole), nieces, nephews and a close circle of family and friends.
Robert was born and raised in St. John’s. He later moved to Topsail, where he thoroughly enjoyed the last 45 years and raised his beautiful family. With deep roots in Old Perlican, he loved his time on the barrens of Trinity Bay. Robert was an active member of the arts community and an accomplished author, who had won many awards for his work. He has published four volumes of poetry, as well as an illustrated fairy tale. His poetry has also been widely published in literary periodicals, anthologies and text books. Robert enjoyed a long career in the Provincial and Federal Public Service.
Robert will be remembered by many for his love of literature and music, passion for cars – particularly his SAAB, and his love-hate relationship with the Toronto Maple Leafs. But more than anything, Robert always said that his heart sang when he saw the faces and heard the voices of his family, who were his everything.
The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s on Sunday, July 10th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert’s memory to the Heart and Stroke foundation, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Come Fairies, take me out of this dull world,
for I would ride with you upon the wind
and dance upon the mountains like a flame!
-William Butler Yeats
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on July 10, 2022
6-8 p.m. on July 10, 2022
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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Condolences to Robert’s family and friends. I am glad we met at work. A good man.
Condolences to Robert’s family and friends.
Gord…Ross and I are so sorry to hear of your brother Bob’s passing. May to sense the Lord’s peace and comfort now and in the days ahead. Blessings Ross and yvonne
Sincerest condolence to Bob’s family.
I find myself still in disbelief that Bob has passed. Bob was a dear colleague and trusted friend. He was my co-worker at ESDC/Service Canada for many years until he retired. His gentle, calming disposition and his ‘nothing is unattainable’ attitude was always uplifting and empowering. Clearly, he was a scholar and a credit to his profession and passions. I have and will always remember him – he will live forever in memory for me. To his dear family, I can only imagine your loss; there are no words to ease this pain. May you fine comfort in knowing that Bob is/was so very respected, admired and loved. Let fond memories of your cherished times together help you through this difficult time. God Bless.
Marina Mercer
Sharon, Robert, Karla, Gord and families. My sincere condolences to you all on the loss of Bob’s immense personality… he is gone much too young. His sly smile and quick humour will be missed. I send you all much love and fond remembrances of the good times shared with our families through the years. May he now dance with the fairies and you all find some comforts knowing as this wise man did write… “there are no endings, only new beginnings.”
Robert and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. It was impressive to read about his mark on the world in his obituary. I hope you find comfort in the days ahead from all of your wonderful memories and times together. Take great care of one another.
Robert and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your father’s passing. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in your memories and each other in the days ahead. Sincerest condolences. Take care, Kelli
Just heard about Bob’s passing. We are in shock and send our heart-felt condolences to Sharon and family. There was a time when we were very close however time caused us to drift apart as we married and started our respective families. We will cherish those memories and I hope Sharon and family take comfort in a life well spent.
Sharon, Robert, Kelly and family:
Dale and I were saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. We only met him once, although we have stayed somewhat in contact for a few years. We have very fond memories of the days we spent camped in your back yard in 2003. We also remember Bob saying in his fine “Irish brogue” as we stood on the top of Signal Hill: “On a clear day, you can see Ireland!”
We think of you often, Sharon, and hope we can meet again in the future. God bless you and grant you some peace in these difficult days.
Cousin Lorraine
So very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I haven’t seen Bob in many years. He seems to have had a wonderful life…although much too short. Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.
The Burt Family,
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Thinking of you at this very sad time. Heather and Bruce
Dear Sharon,
We haven’t seen each other or spoken for years upon years, but I certainly remember you as my beautiful little cousin. I was shocked to hear about Bob’s passing. . So young. Lorraine spoke so positively about the visit with you and Bob in 2003, if I remember correctly.. My heart goes out to you–and you are in my prayers. A loving cousin,
Joanne Myrehaug
Did not know Bob really well but had brief conversations with him from time to time over the years. I live just up the road from him on Spruce Hill Rd. I believe my boys went to school with his son back in the day. So very saddened to hear of his passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.. Randy Churchill
Shocked and saddened to hear the news of Bob’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Bob for 10+ years at Service Canada mostly as part of the communications’ team. He was a great colleague, mentor and friend. Sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace Bob.
I was shocked to hear of Bob’s sudden passing.. Please accept my deepest condolences.
May he rest in peace.
Sharon so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Hoping you find some peace in your memories and in the knowledge you are in the prayers of many. God bless you all during this difficult time
Sharon, Robert and Karla … so sorry for your loss. Much Love and Healing Prayers being sent to you all from myself and Baxter. God Bless
Sharon, Robert and Carla
We are so very sorry to have lost Bob so soon! He was a joyous character, full of love. I will always remember our visits and conversations deep into the night. He taught me a lot about life and for that, I am grateful.
Be assured of our prayers for You all.
Much love,
Cheri, Vince and Family 🙏🏻❤️
Sharon & Family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear the news about Bob’s sudden passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Sharon & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.
I had the privilege of being Bob’s colleague, cubicle neighbour and friend at work for many years. I’ll always remember his quick wit and quiet intellect. He was pleasant and sincere with everyone he interacted with. What truly stands out though was his obvious pride and love of family. That is what I admired most about him. He surely had his priorities in order. Taken too soon, rest in peace Bob.
Id like to send my sincere condolences to Bob’s loved ones. I have very fond memories of Bob during my work term days. He was one of my very first co-workers. He always offered such great conversations and advice! I volunteered at CHMR at the time and I remember he requested Bob Dylan…I’ll be sure to have a listen tonight in his honor.
Sharon, Gord and families –
We were so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing..
Terry and I are out of province but wanted to send along our thoughts and love to you all.
Barb and Terry Carlson
Sharon, Robert, Karla and family,
I am so sorry so hear of Bob’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. I will remember Bob for his wit, intelligence and sense of humour (and his excellent barbeque skills when we were out there visiting you!)
Much love and many prayers,
cousin Judy
Sharon and family,
We were saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. Over the years, we enjoyed running into Bob and having a chat. He always enjoyed a yarn and if it had a Celtic thread to it all the better. Bob was a great conversationalist who had the most interesting observations on music and writing. Hopefully, the memories of your good times together will offer solace in the days ahead.
Ray and Ellen Alcock
To Sharon, Robert, Karla and family.
It was a real shock to hear of the sudden death of Bob. Carol and I have valued the way Bob welcomed us into his family when we found we were cousins. Though we first met in 2015 we are honoured to have known Bob.
From your cousins across the Pond.
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Bob. Bob and I worked together at Service Canada and we had many long chats about his writing and poetry. Bob was well respected at work and was always a gentleman. Rest in Peace Bob
Sharon, Robert, Karla and families.
We were shocked and so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing..
We have many memories of Bob as we watched and discussed our boys playing hockey together. Recently that was continued as we watched our grandson’ s doing the same. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. God bless.
Bill and Bev Lee.
Robert & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing and send my sincere condolences on your loss. From reading the obituary and condolences, it sounds like your dad was a wonderful man who enjoyed life to the fullest with his family and friends and left a remarkable legacy. May the wonderful memories give you strength to get through the difficult days ahead.. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat
Sharon , Robert,Karla and family
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Our condolences go out to you Sharon and all your family. .
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you move through this difficult time together.
Carol and Bob Reynolds
Great friends with Bob growing up on Laughlin Crescent and playing tennis in the Cherry Hill Park. I have not seen him in many years, but I am sure his sense of humor never changed !
So sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. We have been neighbors for the past 13 years. Our sincere condolences go out to each and everyone of this beautiful family. God Bless you on this journey through these times in life.
Sharon, Robert, Karla and family,
My sincere condolences. I worked with Bob for many years and he was always a kind gentleman with a great sense of humour. My thought and prayers are with you. God bless.
Ingrid
So very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was such a gentleman, very friendly and obviously very. talented!
Deepest condolences from a former Federal co-worker.
My condolences to the family. Bob was a colleague and friend, a gentleman in every way and respected by all. Rest In Peace .
Worked with Bob for years. Really a fine fellow. Rest in Peace bud.
Bob’s wife Sharon and family so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I knew Bob from working at Service Canada.. I found Bob very pleasant and always had a great smile.
Blessings with you. All at this difficult time..
Sharon, Robert, Karla and family
No words can express the deep sadness and sorrow felt at Bob’s passing. Comfort can be found in the lifetime of memories we experienced.
Before he was a husband, father and friend to many he was first, a brother. born Robert Bronson Burt in St. John’s, began his journey from Battery Rd, a true East Ender he was. However his arrival meant more space was required and thus began his journey with our parents for 7 moves. I can understand his 45 year stay in Topsail.
Bob began his early schooling at Harrington on LeMarchant Rd and he was none to pleased to be there, his Holloway experience didn’t meet his expectations either, nor did MacPherson Jr High or Prince of Wales Collegiate.. However he did accept his calling to MUN and completed his BA English Degree through dedication and long hours of study, often burning the midnight oil with his companion beagle, Pat alongside. Bob was fluent in German and enjoyed his summer student exchange trip to Germany where he worked in Mittenwald at a restaurant amid the Alpine Bavarian mountains.
His passion for sports shone in School having played Canadian football and hockey. Neighbourhood sports were his delight though, street hockey, hall hockey, basement hockey, Bob loved hockey and was a great goalie, baseball, ping pong, tennis and rowing on the pond, we were on the same team. We had such fun growing up.
His passion though was trouting, we shared many fantastic 24th of May weekends from Terra Nova Lake to Cooks Cove Pond in Old Perlican. Our helicopter trip to the interior of Newfoundland to Lake Maddongonix and Kostacodie was talked about for many years. We would often come home from work and all needed to be said was “wanna go for a flick”. After a quick supper we were in our 12’ Sears Aluminum boat fishing till dark “down east”. We also introduced our sons, Robert and Gordon to fishing and our trips to Witless Bay line and Muddy Pond were very special experiences. We learned early that family meant a lot as we often spent our young vacations with our uncles/aunts and cousins. There were picnics, birthdays and of course the “auspicious occasions” of Christmas where after completed the “rounds” we celebrated with our Nan and Pop with all the Burt family present.
Bob wrote a poem in his first published book as follows it is called “ENDINGS”:
Where are our endings
would you really wish to know.
Don’t worry,
They’ll never tap you on the shoulder
jump out from the bushes and tell you so.
Truth is, there are no endings
only new beginnings
sun, sunset, stars,
and the wanderings of the world
which never sleeps.
My prayer is that Bob will rest in peace until we meet again on that far greater shore.
Love, your brother Gord (and Eileen)
Sharon and the family we were so shocked to hear of Bob’s passing.Will miss sharing a guinness with him each summer and. telling tales of adventures we all had in the summers when we were kids. Our prayers are with you and your family
I was shocked to just hear of Bob’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences and prayers. I haven’t seen Bob in many years but I will always have fond memories of the time we spent together as young adults.
Robert, Katie, and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear the sad news of your dad’s passing. Our deepest sympathies and condolences for this great and unexpected loss.
We know what a special man your dad was and that he will be deeply missed.
We hope that he will live on for you in his poetry, pictures, family stories, and your happiest memories of him.
We are thinking of you in this difficult time and sending all our love and care to you now.
Love, Eleanor and Matt
Sharon and family
So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending healing energy to you and your family. With time, may you find peace and acceptance in your hearts.
Lorna Squires
Ottawa, ON
I am sending my sincere condolences to Bob’s family. It was a pleasure to have him as a colleague at Service Canada.
Rosemary Norris
Sharon, Carla, Robert and family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ian and Suzanne Greeley
Sharon and family:
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Sincerest sympathy.
Bob and Joan Smith
Sharon, Robert, Karla and family. We were shocked & saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. We’ve known Bob for a long time as our boys played hockey together and in recent years spoke to him at the rink where his grandson and our granddaughter played hockey together. RIP Bob!
To the Burt family, my condolences on Bob’s passing.. May his memories be a blessing.
Sharon, Robert and Karla
Joan and I were so very saddened to hear of Bob’s passing . Our deepest condolences to Sharon and family. Wishing you all peace, comfort and love at this very sad time . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. “I will always remember our fishing days ” Love, Uncle David & Aunt Joan
Deepest sympathy to the family at this difficult time..
Connie Winter (Melissa’s grandmother)
Robert, my deepest condolences on the loss of your Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Take care.
Steve
To Robert, Sharon, Karla and family,
My heart is with you all at this so very difficult time. Bob was a kind and gentle soul who could lift the room with his bright and genuine smile, wits and thoughtful conversation. He was always interested in conversation anytime I or any of Roberts friends came to the house, no matter what time of day or night. Such a nice man and a friend. I will remember him for his kindness, love for his family and passion for The Tragically Hip.
My condolences to you all
To Sharon, Robert and Family,
My condolences to you and your entire family for your loss. Bob was one of the most interesting and intelligent people I have ever met. I knew every time our paths would cross, I’d be excited to dive into a conversation with him. Whether it was wit or wisdom, every time I left with a piece of him.
I’ll remember him for the love and pride he had for his family, and for his extraordinary insight.
Sharon and family so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
Many good memories with Mr.Burt . Saddened to hear of his passing . Wishing the Burt family the best in this trying time .
The Curnew family
Robert and Family,
On behalf of the Bell team, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. May your fond memories of him provide comfort at this difficult time.
A donation has been made to Hear adn Stroke Foundation in memory of Robert (Bob) Burt.
Dear Sharon, Robert, Karla,
I am so saddened to hear that my friend and colleague has gone.
Bob was a kind and wonderful man. A gentle soul who was well loved by the many lives he touched. His memory will live on in all of us who loved him.
My condolences to you all.
To Sharon and family Very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Please know that your sorrow is shared and your great loss is understood. As you loved him so you will miss him. Phylllis Beckett