Robert "Bob" M. Burnham

Robert (Bob) Maurice Burnham, age 78, of Arvada, Colorado passed away on February 21, 2025, at his home.

Bob was born on February 8, 1947, in Beatrice, Nebraska to Robert and Hazel Burnham. A ‘Military brat,’ Bob was well-traveled, living as far away as Spain by the time he was 9 years old. The family ultimately settled in Colorado Springs when his father retired from the Air Force during Bob's teenage years.

As a teenager, he worked as a bag boy and became a fuel truck driver for Maytag’s Aircraft Corporation where his father worked. During college, he spent one summer working at the Climax Molybdenum Company as a laborer.

He graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with a BA in Mining Engineering in 1968. Bob received the Department of Mining Engineering’s Old Timers’ Club Award for his academic standing in coal mining and engineering. He later earned his MBA from the University of Denver in 1979.

Bob went to work at Consolidation Coal Company in West Virginia before being called into the US Army Core of Engineers where he honorably served a two-year tour (April 1969-January 1971) in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star. He ultimately separated from the Army as a 1st Lieutenant.

In addition to time in Vietnam he was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs where, in 1970, he met Kathy at a Singles Square Dancing event. They married in December 1972, and welcomed their children, R. Joseph (1974) and Daniel Scott (1977).

Bob spent his career in the Coal Mining Industry. He returned to Consolidation Coal Company after Vietnam before moving on to Rocky Mountain Energy and BXG, before becoming President of Sunnyside Mine in Utah. He founded his consulting business, Mianadóir (Gaelic for miner), and finally retired in 2011 from the mining firm Wood McKenzie. Even after retirement he stayed connected to the industry through Burnham Coal, LLC, which he kept active until 2023. One of his favorite quotes was, “The most important thing to come out of a mine … is the miner.”

Bob was active in Scouting while the boys were growing up, serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster, and completing the Woodbadge advanced adult training course. Joe fondly remembers being “tapped out” for Order of the Arrow on the same night as his dad. After the boys moved on to other things, Bob stayed involved volunteering for different programs at Tahosa Scout Camp.

Joe remembers a childhood of helping Bob with projects around the house, “singing” on their way up to the mountains to go downhill skiing, Bob being the only parent who came out to support the cross-country running team. Dan’s favorite memories revolve around cross-country skiing. For both of them, he was always there in a pinch, whether they forgot a sleeping bag or sleeping pad on a campout or the car broke down on the highway in the middle of the night.

Bob had several hobbies including woodworking, home brewing beer, and traveling with Kathy, primarily to Europe with a special love for England and Scotland. That said, his favorite hobby was Scottish Country Dancing.

Bob and Kathy joined the Saint Andrews Society of Colorado (SASC) in 1989 and have been members for 25 years. Bob served on the Council and was Chieftain from 2001 to 2003.

Folklore has it that Kathy persuaded Bob to attend a Colorado Scottish Festival, where she lured him into trying Scottish Country Dancing, then asked if he would join one of the classes. Bob replied, “Yes, but there is no way you will ever get me in a kilt!” Six months later, after learning how much the ladies loved a man in a kilt, he was proudly sporting his first one. Bob and Kathy have been leaders in the Scottish Country Dance group since 1993.

In 2015, Bob and Kathy were honored for their contributions to the SASC with the Tartan Award, presented for exemplary participation in the Scottish Community of Colorado.

Bob has been a member of the Scottish American Military Society Post 100 for 15 years, most recently serving as its Vice Commander.

A faithful member of Risen Christ Lutheran Church, Bob used his gifts in many ways including serving on the Elector board and as president of the congregation.

Bob is survived by his wife Kathy, children, Joe and Dan, and three grandchildren, Robbie, Rowan, and Eve.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 8th at 10am at Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Arvada. A Reception will follow at noon at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home in Arvada where there will be an opportunity to share memories of Bob.

Bob will be laid to rest on Monday, March 10th at 10:30am at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered.