Robert C Burns

Robert C. Burns M.D. passed away March 17, 2011. He was preceded in death by his nurturing parents Karl F. and Martha C. Burns, sister Suzanne Burns Wynhoff, and precious son, R. Todd Burns. He leaves behind his beloved wife Sonda D. Burns and his loving children; Troy C. (Lea), Clark J., and Dr. Lauren N. Burns, daughter in-law Janna Burns and brother Karl Burns, MD. He will also be missed by his beautiful grandchildren; Carrie, Karlie, Devin, Peyton, Casey, Calvin and Caroline. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Bob grew up on the family farm in Boston Township and attended Hudson Elementary Schools. He attended Western Reserve Academy from 1950 to 1954, where he served as a class officer and captain of the varsity football team. In 1954, he was awarded an Olin scholarship to Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. While at Wesleyan, he served as class president and co-captain of the football team and was selected to the “Who’s Who” in American Colleges and Universities. He attended and graduated from Albany Medical College of Union University in 1962. Rotating Internship followed at Akron General Hospital from 1962 to 1963. Bob then served as Medical Officer for the U.S. Public Health Service at the Coast Guard Base, in Boston from 1963 to 1965. Following his Internal Medicine Residency at Salem Hospital in Salem, Massachusetts, Bob returned to Akron for General Practice Residency from 1966 to 1967. He began practicing at Copley Medical Group in 1967 with his brother Karl F. Burns M.D. and John Otto M.D. He was later joined in practice with his talented and dedicated partners; Joseph Panzner M.D. and John Kromalic D.O. In 2011 he will welcome his daughter, Lauren N. Burns, D.O., into the practice. He felt blessed to have wonderful physician partners and many loyal patients. He never considered his profession a job, but rather, a privilege to care for his patients. While on attending staff at Akron General, Bob served terms as Chief of Staff, Chairman of the Utilization Review Committee, member of the Quality Assurance Committee, and member of the Medical Council. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice, the American Board of Quality Assurance, and Utilization Review Physicians. Bob was elected to the Distinguished Physician in 1997 and served as a member of the Summit County Medical Society Council. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed ski trips with the children and grandchildren. Bob was an avid golfer - although mediocre at the sport, he was always hoping for improvement. His dear friend Michael Hopkins M.D. endured his erratic golf swing and vintage tales of 1957 college football in New England.

Bob will be missed and remembered by his family, friends and colleagues. A memorial mass will be held to honor Bob 2pm Tuesday, March 22, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1361 W. Market St. Akron. A private burial was held at Rose Hill Burial Park. Bob’s wishes were that in lieu of flowers, donations would be made in his honor, continuing his memory; reflecting the importance of education, to the scholarship fund at the Western Reserve Academy, 115 College St. Hudson, OH 44236.