Robert Burkhardt Obituary

I was saddened to read of the passing of Bob Burkhardt. My Dad (Jack P. Smith) worked with Mr. Burkhardt for 30 years at R G Burkhardt and Associates.

Bob Burkhardt's service to the nation and to the community, plus his skill as a successful businessman for over half a century, will be remembered. May he rest in peace.

Don Smith.

I was sad to read of Bob's passing yesterday in the Tribune. But then as I thought of Bob, his many stories of the Navy and the business, I smiled in fond remembrance. We worked on several projects over the years from when I was a very young architect through many years at CDB. I loved his voice and respected his knowledge, wisdom and patriotism. It was a pleasure working with him and an honor to have known him.

Bob Burkhardt would offer me his seat at breakfast at Plymouth Place when I would visit my Dad. Dad & Bob were breakfast buddies. I so enjoyed meeting and talking with Mr. Burkhardt. We fondly referred to him as "Submarine Bob". What a nice man!

I've had the privelege and pleasure of knowing Bob and Hazel for more than 30 years through our association in the Consulting Engineers Council of Illinois (CECI) and the American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC). I worked together with him on CECI committees and my wife, Carol, and I also attended many ACEC and CECI meetings where we shared many happy hours of business and social activities. Bob's enthusiasm and willingness to do whatever was needed to promote and enhance the reputation of professional consulting engineering services was unlimited and he was a giant of our profession. We will miss him.

My heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your wonderful father. I have the nicest memories growing up next door to the Burkhardt family. Your dad was a very kind man and his spirit will live on. May he rest in peace alongside you dear mother, Hazel.

It was my privilege and honor to know him. I will always look fondly on my many times we discussed and argued military history.

After serving as Bob's pastor during the early '90s at the Village Church, I renewed our friendship at Plymouth Place where I conduct a Bible study. I talked with him last week. I remember his help in getting my son, Aaron, into Shriners Hospital when he was six years old, now 21. He always asked me how my son was and was concerned about the family.

From one Navy Man to another.....Fair sky's and following seas!
I will miss you and thank you for your leadership, support and friendship!

Bob McCarthy

As another past president of the Chicago Council of the Navy League, I can attest to how valuable Bob Burkhardt's advice was, and how much he loved his country and the Navy. He was well-liked and will be missed.