Robert Bob E. Burns, 90

Robert Bob E. Burns, 90, passed away November 8, 2010. He was a resident of the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Bob was born Sept. 4, 1920, in Power, to Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Burns. A railroad steamfitter, he lived most of his life in locations close to the Burlington Northern Railroad (Great Northern Railroad) like Spokane and Newport, Wash., where he met Jeanne Eleanor McIntosh, the love of his life, and later in Troy and Whitefish. Bob served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II on the East Coast, West Coast, and the Arctic Ocean in the North Atlantic. After an honorable discharge at the end of the war, Bob joined the U.S. Naval Reserves and was activated for the Korean conflict, where he served nine months in the Korean theater onboard a supply ship. Bob began a career in railroad-related industries for the Great Northern Railroad immediately after graduating from high school in Troy. Bob continued to work for the railroad until he retired in 1982. Bob worked as track maintainer, fireman, switchman, brakeman and yardmaster. Bob always spoke highly of and enjoyed his co-workmates on the railroad. After retiring Bob pursued his favorite activities, like hunting, fishing and home projects, with a little bit of travel thrown in. Bob was a devoted and loving father and husband. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Eleanor McIntosh; an infant son, Robert E. Burns Jr.; and all of his siblings, one brother, John, and four sisters, Ada, Pearl, Myrtle and Florence. Bob is survived by a daughter, Roberta J. King, of Creston, British Columbia; and three sons, Ronald E. Burns of Helena, William C. Burns of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Jeffrey D. Burns of Whitefish; six grandchildren, Teri (mother, Roberta King), Amelia, Christopher and Alicia (father, William Burns), and Jeremy and Josh (father, Jeffrey Burns); and 10 great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by Winona Burns (Eckelberry) of Columbia Falls. No services are scheduled at this time. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.