Birth date: Sep 4, 1938 Death date: Apr 8, 2016
Robert A. Burbank of Mount Dora, Florida passed away on Friday, April 8, 2016 at the age of 77 years. He was born in Chelsea, Vermont. Robert proudly served his country in the US Navy. He and his wife were the former owners of Cit Read Obituary
Tears came to my eyes when I heard that Bob had passed. He was the BEST of instructors, and probably the finest glider pilot in the country.
My condolences to the Bob Burbank family. Below are some of my recollections of Bob.
While stationed at USA CRREL in Hanover, NH and living in East Thetford, VT from late 1963 to early 1967, I was fortunate to spend time at the Post Mills Airport. There I met Bob and Len Hoyt. I was Bob’s either 8th or 14th person he had solo. Through his love and enthusiasm of flying which was contagious, he hooked me on flying. He taught me and saw me obtain a private certificate, a commercial one, a sea plane rating and an instructor’s certificate. I obtained the land ratings using Bob’s beloved first airplane, his Luscombe 8F (N77867). When I completed my CRREL tour of duty, Len and Bob hired me as a flight instructor, snow plow operator and minor air frame and engine repairman and errand boy. Bob had me flying charters all over New England and into Canada. In the winter he taught me to fly on skis. For night flying we flew towards controlled airspaces but as always returned to Post Mills’ grass strip light by a dozen smoke pots. He never tired not only to learn new or improve his own skills but generously gave time to teaching others.
I last saw Bob and Janie in February of 2012. We spent a day together with Janie in the Mount Dora area.
Bob you will be missed.
Bob was our mentor, our advisor, and our frequent assistant in many club activities. Often as our official flight examiner, he was scrupulously fair, emphasizing the important things, seldom personally judgmental and then only in a constructive sense. All such things done with his dry sense of humor and wit, and you could always learn something new when working with him. Despite his 50 years and bazillion flight hours he was always humble enough to listen to new approaches to old or new problems.
We will miss him dearly as a friend to all who shared our love of all things aviation.
From Eagle Sport Aviation Club members and friends
Our condolences to the Burbank family. Mr. Bob (as we called him) was either walking his little dog, working on the plane or driving down the road waving to us. Bob and his wife are together again, with no pain, only joy. They are looking down on their family with big smiles.
Sincerely, The Greaves and the Geists (neighbors)
Our Sincere Sympathies go out to the Burbank Family!
Such a sad and painful loss but Bob is now at peace.
Lynda and Kelly
I always admired Uncle Robert for being a pilot. I remember when my family went to Florida in 1976 and Uncle Robert took me up in his sailplane. It was so quiet and neat. I vaguely remember the a-frame he and his wife had near Post Mills. I strongly remember (pun intended) the skunk he had as a pet. He and his wife were very hospitable to Judy and me when we stayed with them for a few days several years ago. I am very sad to hear of his passing.
Steve and Diane
I got my glider rating from Bob 15 years ago and have been friends ever since. I will miss you.
Always had fond memories of visiting with Bob at the Seminole Lake Gliderport. Bob gave my last student a successful checkride on March 6. Love ya' Franklin.
