Robert Burdick Obituary

ROBERT B. BURDICK
November 1, 1947 ˜ June 15, 2024

Robert B. Burdick (Bob) was born Nov. 1, 1947, in Los Angeles and died June 15, 2024, in Vancouver, WA.

Bob was adopted at birth by Lucille and Ralph Burdick who subsequently divorced when Bob was six. After the divorce, Lucille, Bob and his brother, Wayne, left Los Angeles and returned to her home state of Missouri. Bob attended public schools in Missouri and Kansas, graduating from Wyandotte High School (KS) in 1965.

He worked his way through college, graduating from the University of Kansas (KU) in 1969 with a degree in journalism. Bob’s first daughter, Audrey, was born not long after he finished college.

Bob started his career as a reporter for the Kansas City Times. He moved on to become a makeup editor at the Detroit News and the managing editor of the Coffeyville, KS, newspaper. For six years, he served in the Kansas Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve.

Still in his 20s, Bob was recruited by KU to be its public relations director. He earned a master’s degree in journalism while working at KU. Later, he directed communications programs at the University of Washington, Johnson County Community College, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. He and his staffs won numerous awards for outstanding marketing and communications campaigns.

During the last 10 years of his career, Bob directed communications programs at the Washington State Liquor Control Board and the Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Bob met his wife, Carol Van Natta, while working at the University of Washington. Married 40 years, Bob and Carol shared a love of the English language, the arts, and public affairs. Their daughter, Claire, was born in 1990. Bob adored both his daughters. His cats also held a special place in his heart.

Bob’s favorite retirement activities were birding, watching sporting events, and doing New York Times word puzzles. He often achieved “genius” level in Spelling Bee.

In the last year of his life, Bob was overjoyed to witness his daughter, Claire’s marriage to Ryan Viles. Bob loved Ryan like a son.

Among those who mourn Bob are Carol, Audrey, Claire and Ryan; Jim and Teresa Van Natta; Jon Van Natta; and Bob’s longtime friends, Steve Gorman and Jane Booser Gorman, Gerry Ewing and Jean Wilkinson, Mike and Louise Kato, and Bob Swanson and Terry Kenny.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held 2 p.m., Friday, July 12, at Lacamas Lake Lodge, 227 NE Lake Road, Camas, WA. Contributions in Bob’s memory can be made to the Bird Alliance of Oregon, 5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97210 or to All Classical Radio, 211 SE Caruthers St., Suite 200, Portland, OR 97214.

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