I met Robert during grade school through his cousin Leo Shedd who was my classmate. Our common bond was music. Starting with R&B and soul music, playing in bands together some, with Robert and Leo singing. Then, mainly in high school, the music began to get more psychedelic. One day Robert was super excited to tell us about a new band he'd just heard, and we had to check it out! The song was "Whipping Post" by the Allman Brothers...an important introduction to a band that meant a lot to me over the years. Black-white band too. We grew up in a very small town, and most of us had to leave in order to make a living and explore the world, as Robert did as well. When I had the chance to re-connect with him a few years ago he gave me the highlights of his journey since Sewanee days, but the main thing he told me was how proud he was of his family - his children, and his long marriage with Christa. So, rest in peace brother...may the music be on you.
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I will always miss hanging out with my good friend Rob. The days and nights watching games on tv and sitting out by the fire pit I will remember forever. Thank you for being such a good friend all those years. Rest easy my friend
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My condolences to the entire Burke-Hill family. I worked with Bobby at Boston College for about 20 years. Always had a great sense of humor especially when he greeted you with the classic “hey babe”. Bobby you will be truly missed. It’s time now to K7. Only those in his police circle will know what that means.
Reggie Denny
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When I first got to the US in 1986, pregnant and barefoot, totally clueless to what was there, Bobby as I knew him, spent a lot of time with me. He would take me rides to show me around Boston area, up and down the coast, he would also lend me Blues tapes, and we would chat about the US, race relations, and other issues. Whenever I saw him after those first 6 months, he would welcome me warmly and we’d chat some more. He was always so warm and welcoming and a brother to me. I remember spending most of one summer with Bobby and Christa and all the children, mine and theirs - what a holy mess with much laughter and time together. I always remember how much time he took caring for his children, bathing them and rubbing them down with lotion, explaining what “ashen”meant for black skin. I last saw him in Tucson, my old haunt, as I reconnected with Christa. What a mensch, God’s speed outlaw brother!
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1992, Weitz Street Allston, MA
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I worked and was friends with Bobby for over 35 years. He had my back on the job more than once and made me laugh every day. He loved hard and treated his friends like family. I will miss you BABE !
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My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Chris and the whole family. I first met Rob when I lived two doors down from them in Tucson, AZ. Rob immediately welcomed me into his and Chris’s home and we frequently hung out on the porch and enjoyed music, food, a drink, and laugh. He offered life advice, encouraged me, treated me like family, and had a no-nonsense approach to helping me navigate my late 20s as a single woman in this wild world! He was so much fun. I would rather have spent an evening with both Chris and Robert than most other friends. A couple years later I had my daughter, Nora, and he got to meet and hold her, which was such a blessing during the pandemic. I miss him more than I can fully express. I hope he’s enjoying another gorgeous sunset, while listening to some groovy music, in what I hope is a peaceful place. Much love 💗
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To know Robert is to love Robert. I am so lucky to have done both. The last time I saw Rob over Christmas, I told him how much I loved our conversations and how enlightening it was talking to him. He asked me why is that? Rob and I have lived such extraordinarily different lives. To hear his perspective, his stories, his wisdom, his outlook, and his own memories from growing up, was such a privilege and honor. I learned a lot from this man. So my favorite memory with Robert would be almost all of them, where we always made time to catch up and have deep and real conversations. Simpler favorite memories with Rob include watching movies, talking about music, laughing, and of course downing Coronas and taking tequila shots from coast to coast. I am so proud to have you as my water-dad, Rob. I miss you so much and I love you forever.
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