Robert N. Burns

The future of RNPA Pilot Obituaries

For the attention of retired NWA Pilots and their families.

I am writing to inform you of forthcoming changes to the traditional practices of postings of obituaries for retired NWA pilots. RNPA has decided to phase out the group website late this year. This decision reflects a close examination of recent use of the website. Almost all the ‘hits’ today on the website are solely for obituaries. Most of the retired pilots who do the yeoman’s work of writing and posting obituaries are themselves well beyond normal life expectancy. That speaks volumes. Perhaps societal values are changing in ways that affect the willingness of family members to cooperate with the writing of pilot obituaries for pilot audiences. What you will read in the future will more resemble a traditional newspaper, funeral home, hometown type obituary.

We will cease posting our pilot specific obituaries after June 15, 2025. Those recently posted will remain available for viewing until late in 2025.

Yes of course, there are obituaries posted elsewhere for recently deceased NWA/Delta pilots. NWA pilots obituaries will forthwith be posted on the much-acclaimed PCN flight west website. In anticipation of this changeover, I strongly recommend you review the PCN flight west system using this link: https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/

Carol Faulkner, a retired Delta agent, is a key player at PCN Flight West. She serves as the website coordinator and is a master sleuth at searching industry periodicals, magazines, and aviation publications to glean timely information about the death of our colleagues. Many of the death notices I have posted have come from contact information from Carol.

Time is a key factor in the Delta Airline PCN system. I suspect the country varies greatly regarding the continuance of traditional funeral services. Where I reside in the Pacific Northwest the ‘Celebration of Life’ is becoming quite common. These events are often held several months after the death of the pilot. However, if you reside in thesoutheastern part of the country, you may witness a preference for traditional church and funeral home services. These services are sometimes only a few days after the passing of the deceased. Therefore, death notices and timing become very important. As you read the PCN Flight West postings take noof the ‘for community and the family character’ of the obituaries.

After June 15 I will no longer be writing obituaries intended for pilot readers. Those of you who have sent me an obituary for future use rest assured that a duplicate of your obituary will have been passed onto our friend Ruthie Dumas for her methodical computer storage. If all goes as planned, when I close out my logbook for good, Ruthie will have your key information and backup pilot email addresses. There you have it – a plan.

Thank you all for being understanding. No doubt this is the end of an era.

Please do me a favor and look at the PCN Flight West website. I have even discovered the obituaries of former Air Force squadron mates posted on that system. It is friendly turf.

Thank you for allowing me to fill a minor role in the great legacy of the Red Tail NWA Aviators,
Bill Day

Robert Napoleon Burns

1932-2025 Obit Photo Bob and Maureen Burns

Captain Robert (Bob) Burns, age 92 years, proud father and devoted husband, died peacefully on May 19, nine days after his wife of 65 years, Maureen.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest son of Richard and Agnes Picard Burns. He attended Marmion Military Academy High School in Aurora, before graduating from The University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. After college, Bob channeled his passion for aviation by joining the United States Air Force where he finished in the top of his class. Bob attributed the Air Force for cultivating discipline, leadership, and a sense of duty that guided him throughout his life. Following his military service, Bob attended law school at DePaul University in Chicago before pursuing a career as an airline pilot with Northwest Orient Airlines.

Bob was hired by NWA on September 01, 1959. Except for short duration tours from other pilot bases, Bob spent most of his NWA career flying from the MSP base. He flew a variety of propeller, turbroprop and fan jet airliners. He completed his 33 year career flying as captain on the classic Boeing 747.

In 1960, Bob met and married Maureen Helen Barrett, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and countless travel adventures. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family and laughter.

Bob was dedicated to service and applied his talents to St. John's Catholic Church, Excelsior Knights of Columbus and Lion's Club of Port Wing where he coordinated the annual fishing contest and fundraiser. He was a gifted storyteller who captivated these organizations with tales from the cockpit, his numerous outdoor adventures, and fishing whoppers from the helm of The Reel Deal on Lake Superior.

An avid outdoorsman, Bob found peace and purpose in nature. He especially loved fishing on Lake Minnetonka, Lake Mille Lacs, and Lake Superior—waters that brought him both adventure and serenity. He was also a passionate hunter who cherished time spent in the stillness of the woods. Among his greatest pleasures was working the pheasant fields with his beloved hunting dogs, whose energy, loyalty, and drive brought him endless joy.

He is survived by children Sheila Zats (Terry), Kevin Burns (Ada), Patrica Burns, and Kathleen Daniels (David); grandchildren Jorge Burns, Kaily Burns, Melissa Burns, Lucia Zats, and Shawna Zats.

Our condolences to the survivors of both Robert and Maureen Burns.

(~Bill Day)

Obits Notice

The future of RNPA Pilot Obituaries

Robert N. Burns

The Birth of RNPA