sculling_waterfowl

[NJsculler]

Robert Bernard Burdick died Saturday, July 26, 2008, at his home in Eureka at the age of 85, with his loving family by his side. Bob was born in Oakland, Calif., on Aug. 8, 1922, to Freda (Noli) Burdick and Bernard Bart Burdick. He lived in the San Francisco Bay Area until the age of ten, when he moved to Eureka with his brother Ralph, mother and stepfather Tom Manfredi. He attended St. Bernard’s, the old Jefferson School and Eureka Senior High School.

Bob was a WWII veteran who served as a medic in the U.S. Army, overseas and in the U.S. When he returned from the war, he operated boats on the Eel River and ran party boats out of King Salmon for many years. On July 1, 1972, he rescued two men from the water near the North Jetty, during very high seas, while on a party boat charter. Bob received local recognition and the Heroism Award from the American Legion for his quick thinking and expert handling in this critical situation.

Bob owned Eureka Boat and Tackle for many years and was well-known for his boat building and fiberglass repair. Burdick skiffs and scull boats are still found throughout the North Coast and across the United States.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. He knew every fishing hole and hunting camp around, and loved Humboldt County and the surrounding area for its beauty and abundant wildlife. In January of 1984, he caught the prize of his life — a state record Steelhead from the Mattole River weighing in at 24 pounds, 12 oz. The following poem was written for Bob several years ago by a family friend:

ODE TO BOB
By Roxie Ficken

Ole Big Hunter’s finally / come into sight / where Robert Burdick / will spend the night
In fact he’ll stay / for days and nights / until the big one / crosses his sights
Ole Big Hunter / what a welcome sight / Bob sets his camp / and waits for night
He sets his camp / while he dreams and hopes / he checks his gun / and sets his scopes
Big Hunter, Bob’s second home / a whole big forest / he’s never alone
He tries to sleep / but his mind swirls on- / He’s so impatient while / he waits for dawn
His excitement strong / in his dreams there’s hope / the biggest buck / will cross his scope
He rises early before the / morning light / Every hunter knows his plight
He checks his ice chest / for his food and beer / Hunting season’s / only once a year
He looks upon / the distant slopes / his weary heart / is filled with hope
His heart beats fast / a contented smile / He’ll be there for quite awhile

Bob is survived by his loving wife Robin of 43 years; his children Bart (Karen) Burdick of McKinleyville, Lindsay Sorrels of Medford, Ore., Leanne Duffit, Lori Shull, Janera (Jed) Watts and Mark Burdick, all of Eureka. His grandchildren; Bart (Brandee) Burdick of Hillsboro, Ore., Evie Burdick of Oceanside, Calif., Tami (Loren) Bezoff of Maitland, Fla., Kim (Mike) Budreau of Medford, Ore., Rob Sorrels of Costa Mesa, Calif., Shane (Nicole) Spencer and Shawn Spencer of Eureka, James Shull of Medford, Ore., Tyler Burdick and Janessa Watts of Eureka, and his eight great-grandchildren; Bearon, Blake, Baylee, Ryan, Kellie, Devan, Alyssa, and Ethan. His sisters-in-law; Ellen Burdick of Blue Lake, Candace (Dennis) Inman of New Mexico, Michelle (John) Compton of San Bruno and nieces Kay (Mike) Willet of Orleans, Linda (Rich) Straub of Freemont, Kathy Coltra of McKinleyville, Lonnie Wilson of Norway, Sara Compton of San Bruno, and Melissa Terribilini of New Mexico. Also Lance, Val, and Twyla Marcelli who considered him “Grandpa,� and many numerous family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Burdick.

We all feel the loss, but have many great memories to carry with us.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16, at noon, Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, 921 Waterfront Drive in Eureka. Friends and family are welcome.

The family would like to thank Dr. Beth Abels, Dr. Mathew and all the other doctors who helped Bob over the years. We would also like to thank the Senior Resource Center MMSP, Hospice of Humboldt and all of his caregivers.

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[John Hayden]

What a shame. Rat and I were just talking about him.
_________________
Smooth Scullin'

[Marsh Rat]

Mike,

Thank you for the heads up on Bob's passing. I met Bob in the 80's when I was "dreaming" of owning a Burdick. At the time I had one of Wade's #1's and it was a great boat, but..........the Burdick was a wee bit bigger and had the stealth and performance.

I'm kinda going through some loses lately. Ya see, My Uncle Willie who was one of my mentor in the dove and pheasant fields of the San Quoquin passed away on the 28th at 85. Same age as Bob.

I'm kinda reeling at my Uncle Willie's passing and the fact now that Bob has passed. Bob was from my Dad's era (RIP), 1920 and they grew up through the Depression. I think the passing of your parents/relatives and friends kinda gives you an added touch with your own mortality. It also allows us to appreciate our immediate family and friends for the time we have left.

Gee, Uncle Willie, Bob Burdick and my dad are "chips off the ole block". I hope they all meet in the heaven, share a glass of vino, talk story and regale in their adventures and the trails they blazed on earth.

RIP Bob Burdick and thank you for the Cadillac.

Marsh Rat

[NJsculler]

Rat

ROG had post it on the other forum I thought I pass it along. I am sorry to hear of you families loss and I am sure that the three fin men are looking down on you know waiting for you to get that oar wet as they have another glass of vino.

Mike

[hbdom]

Sorry to hear about it.

I will share a bob story.

When I met him six or so years ago he was starting to lose it a little but told me about his commercial fishing carreer and how he used the goldfish in his outdoor pond in his yard to gage the fishing.

Goldfish on the top of the pond (call the first mate and lets plan on staying all day!)

Goldfish halfway down suspended (Call the first mate and tell him itll be a half day.)

Goldfish on the bottom of the pond cant even see them (call the first mate and tell him to GO BACK TO BED!!!)

Cheers,

Dom

[Marsh Rat]