John Burns, 1944-2008

[Ken Stafford]

Team 190 and 839 have been great friends since that first long bus ride to the Virginia Regional in 2002. I so remember the wide-eyed sense of wonderment and pride that John had in this rookie Rosie team. What a gentleman! We miss him already...

Gompei and the HERD
WPI/Mass Academy

[JaneYoung]

It's taken me a little while to process this. I met Mr. Burns at the Kick Off in Manchester this year. I was at the NEMO table with KathieK and Jack Kentfield when this cheery smiling man approached and they all started talking to each other and teasing each other. Somewhere in there, John and I were introduced and he set off on a glorious tale of FIRST, FIRSTers, students, and the regionals he dearly loved - and - the region he loved. His neck of the woods. He was so proud of it. For about 15 minutes, he was convinced that he had succeeded in convincing me to come out and go ski-ing next year, even though I had told him I've never even tried to ski. He wasn't worried about it, saying - 'come out, we'll take care of everything.' He shook my hand as he left and told me that he would be expecting me. A force of nature, that one.

Peace to all of you.
Jane

[Gene Williams]

With a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat...condolences from Team 70.

[EStokely]

I did not know John, but I am a part of FIRST and losses like this are hard on all of us. I am truly saddened by this.
With condolences from Team 360 may his memory and inspiration continue.