[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING BOB BURKE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2010

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise with sadness today to honor my 
friend Bob Burke of Forestville, California, who passed away suddenly 
on June 10, 2010, at his home. Bob was both a true conservationist as a 
champion of the local environment of Sonoma County's Russian River Area 
and a true humanitarian as the creator of Bob Burke's Kids, which 
offers support and outings to children with serious health problems.
  Born in 1947, Bob remained in his hometown of Forestville where his 
parents had started a successful business, Burke's Canoe Trips, a 
resort on the Russian River. He and his sister Linda later became co-
owners and co-operators of the resort, a popular fixture for tourists 
and locals in the community.
  The Burkes understood the key role of the Russian River not only for 
the recreation business but also for the health of the whole ecosystem. 
They worked especially closely with Russian Riverkeeper on fishing and 
flow issues.
  Bob was best known for his community volunteering and charitable 
work, especially Bob Burke's Kids, an organization he established in 
1974 after meeting a young girl with cancer who lamented her lack of 
playmates and opportunities for fun. Bob knew he could do something to 
make life better for children with serious illnesses and for their 
families.
  Bob Burke's Kids grew from an initial Russian River fishing trip for 
a small group to a year-round program of activities and outings from 
barbecues and outdoor games to bowling nights and Halloween parties 
serving hundreds of families. The organization thrived as much on Bob's 
love as on the money it raised from a supportive community and local 
organizations.
  Bob also personally knew the families and frequently visited the 
children when they were in the hospital. ``He gave so much love,'' his 
sister Linda says. ``He was the best brother anyone could ever have.''
  Don McEnhill, Executive Director for Russian Riverkeeper says of him: 
``Bob Burke always had a funny story or a joke to tell to cheer me up 
after a contentious hearing or meeting, but it was the kids who faced 
cancer or other ailments that he always saved his best cheer for and 
devoted his life to. Bob spent his entire life on the Russian River and 
clearly understood the recreational value of the Russian River to 
families who could not afford to go on vacation. Bob always supported 
our efforts to keep the River clean and healthy so it was available as 
the community pool for the less fortunate. His passing has left a hole 
in our community and the Russian River, and we will all miss him.''
  Madam Speaker, I have attended some of Bob Burke's Kids events and 
seen the warmth and passion that animated the charitable fundraisers as 
much as the family outings. Losing Bob has indeed left a hole in our 
community, one that we can fill by remembering Bob's legacy and 
carrying on his work.

                          ____________________