Robert James Burns Jr.

1947 ~ 2022

Obituary Photo for Robert James Burns Jr. < >

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1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT
Mar 11, 2022 10:00 AM

Funeral Service

1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT
Mar 11, 2000 11:00 AM

Funeral Service - Virtual Attendance

Click "Watch Services" link below
Mar 11, 2022 11:00 AM

Committal Service

Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Salt Lake City, UT
Mar 11, 2022 2:15 PM

Robert, nicknamed “Weed”, or as he referred to himself, “The one arm bandit”, stemming from when he was a child and had polio leaving his left arm unusable, is now on the “Harley Highway to Heaven”.

Born 1947 in Reno, Nevada to Robert James Burns Sr. and Barbara Edith Emerson, he attended Judge Memorial High School for 3 years, but graduated from South High School since he had a passion for auto mechanics. He regretted transferring since the school didn't let him enroll in that program. He wanted to chase his dream, so he enrolled at the Old Trade Technical College and became a mechanic, later working at Honda of Salt Lake. He became a Boilermaker in 1974 and worked out of local union 182 for 33 years, traveling to smelters and mines across the west coast, perfecting his craft. Watching his two children grow up was important, so he took a job closer to home, at Kennecott Copper Mine, and worked there for the next 15 years.

Robert always said he never expected to live past 25 years old, but fortunately he enjoyed 50 more years. Robert married Jacalyn Dale Johnson on December 24, 1975, and he never forgot an anniversary. They bought 10 acres in Herriman and started building their dream home seven years later. Robert had many interests in life. He loved his Harleys and was a lifetime member of the Sundowners Motorcycle Club. He adored all his dogs and hunting with them. He also liked working on and restoring cars, particularly his Granada while listening to his Good Ole Rock and Roll. Robert’s favorite TV shows were Old Westerns and War movies.

After retiring at age 60, Robert & Jackie traveled extensively. Robert’s first overseas trip was to South India to see his daughter get married.

Robert passed away just two weeks after being diagnosed with asymptomatic pancreatic cancer.

Robert is survived by his wife, Jackie; his daughter, Brittney Paige and her husband, Anil Melnick; his son, Donovan Burns; Robert’s granddaughter Mia Melnick; his sisters-in-law, Christine (David) Fitzgerald and Sharon Case; and his niece, Marriane (Brock) Keinholtz and their children, Aurora and Liam. He had many friends that offered support, especially Dave Jensen who would always come when Robert called. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Dale Ira Johnson; and his brother-in-law, Frank Case.

Funeral services for Robert will be held at 11am on Friday, March 11, 2022, at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road in Sandy. A viewing will be held prior to the services beginning at 10am. A Celebration of Life luncheon will immediately follow services at the Chateau Greenhouse at The Rose Shop at the same address. Committal and graveside services will be held at approximately 2pm that afternoon at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah.

To view the previously held services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.



Guestbook/Condolences

Dear Jackie, Britney and Donovan. I m so sorry that you have lost your husband, your dad. I always thought Robert was a very kind and gentle man. He will be missed. Love and prayers to you all.
Laura Leverich


- Laura Leverich

I am very sorry for your loss. Please know that we are all praying for you and your family. If there is anything you need please reach out to me. Sending you love ❤️ Hugs 🤗 and prayers🙏🏻 during these sad & difficult times.
Love,
Mimi


- Mimi Forsyth

A wonderful husband ,father , and friend! You will be missed!


- Christine FitzGerald

Thoughts and prayers are with you…


- David J. fitzGerald

What a wonderful man. My sincerest condolences to the entire family. God bless each of you.


- Janet Lords

You know how I feel. Robert was amazing and surprising in so many ways. He will be missed, and you will need to find a way to always hold him in your ❤️ heart. We pray for your peace of mind and lots of support. --Julia and Jerry


- Julia

Jackie and family are so very sorry to here this. May God give you peace and guide you threw this.


- Linda Lance

So sorry for the loss of your Husband and Father. Sending Prayers and Blessings to the Burns family. Love you Jackie, your friend ( Tina ) Kristine Green and family.


- Kristine Green

Gone to sit with the World's Greatest King.


- Tony and Patty Ivanich

We extend heartfelt condolences to Jackie, Brittney, Anil and Donovan. We want you to know that we join you in your grief. Robert was a pillar of the family. He cared deeply for all of us and worked all his life so that the family could progress and have a wonderful happy life. He dedicated himself to service. We treasured his good humor and caring soul. May the memory is his love sustain you. You are in our thoughts. Dan and Viji


- Dan and Viji Melnick

Dear Jackie, Brittney and Donovan,
I was so saddened to hear of Robert's passing. He was a wonderful husband and father. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.


- Anne Adams

Dear Brittney, Jackie, and Donovan,

Sending our deepest sympathy and lots of love as you face the empty space remaining with your father and husband’s passing.

Love,
Meryl, Ryan, and Beau


- Meryl Biksacky

I have many fond and loving memories of Robert, I was 17 the first time we met…..That motorcycle that found its way inside that little house on Cornell. The boots Natuka claimed. …Robert was always so willing to teach his vast knowledge of mechanics to me, us or anyone who simply ask …….the 72 Ranchero we rebuilt together…so many more memories over the yrs……..fast forward 48 yrs ……suddenly you were gone….Robert was more than a brother-in-law, he was a brother, a friend, .I could count on.…..Robert was a loving husband to Jackie, father to Brittney, Anil and Donovan, grandfather to Mia, Robert will be deeply missed by many.
I will miss you. You will be honored today………I will hold all the memories close to my heart for the rest of my days.


- Sharon Case