Robert Roland Burns

Robert “Bob” Burns, a resident of Scottsdale, AZ, formerly of Santa Monica, CA, passed away at home on October 13, 2026, at the age of 82.

Born and raised in Santa Monica, CA, Bob epitomized the spirit of a beach boy, spending much of his youth enjoying the surf. A man of intelligence and curiosity, he attended UCLA, Stanford, and the University of Irvine, earning master’s degrees in history, economics, and anthropology. Creatively self-employed for many years, Bob later pursued a career in the aerospace industry, leading to a move to Arizona. His work allowed him to travel globally, and he retired as an international program manager in 2008. Known for taking life seriously, Bob was also celebrated for his vibrant zest for fun, which endeared him to all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Burns; his children, Lauren Blakeley and Robert G. Burns; and his grandchildren, Jackson Blakeley, Benjamin Blakeley, Harrison Blakeley, and Sophia Robles.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Robert R. and Gloria Burns; his brother, Michael Burns; and his first wife, Christine Collins.