Robert J. Burch

February 13, 1940 - June 13, 2021

Robert J. Burch passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 13, 2021, at the age of 81 from complications of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Robert was born to Golden Russell and Alta Martin Burch, the third child of five. He was raised in Oakley, Idaho, prior to graduating from Brigham Young University. While working on his doctorate in educational psychology, he met and later married, Bonnie L. Olsen, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple the summer of 1967. Robert was a psychologist for the Provo School District for 35 years. He then was asked to work part-time for the Freedom Academy Charter School District in Provo, Utah, where he counseled children from the ages of kindergarten to high school. By the time he retired in 2019, he had completed 52 years of dedicated service to the Provo School Districts. Shortly after his retirement, he and his wife moved to St. George, Utah. In 1962, Robert signed with the New York Mets to play professional baseball as a pitcher. His specialty was the curve ball due to his curved pinky finger, which helped him grip and spin the ball. He later served as the pitching coach specialist for Brigham Young University’s baseball team. One of Robert’s favorite past-times was watching hundreds of games as an Associate Baseball Scout for the New York Mets from 1985-1990 and for the Chicago Cubs from 1990-2019. With his white hair and tan face, he was often recognized as the “Silver Fox” pointing his radar gun at the pitcher. In addition to loving baseball, Robert was an avid golfer who spent many an hour on the golf course with family and friends. He passed his love of sports onto his children and grandchildren as well as his love of music. At a very young age, he taught himself to play the piano by ear and was often asked to perform, “Bumble Boogie,” for school parties, church functions and family gatherings. His musical talents expanded to playing the chromatic harmonica by ear. Each Christmas, he would go from classroom to classroom entertaining the students with holiday songs on his harmonica. Having won a national harmonica contest in the 1980’s, Robert continued to enjoy performing locally with the LuDon and Sound Qwest band. Robert was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, having served in a bishopric and a variety of roles in the early days of the sports program. He formed many lasting friendships over the years ministering to ward members on the Grandview Hill. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, his daughter, Brenda Burch, of Orem, Utah, his son, James R. Burch (Heather) and 2 grandchildren (Stella James Burch and Vaughn Robert Burch) of St. George, Utah. In addition to his immediate family, he is also survived by two brothers: Richard Burch (Eva), Salt Lake City, Utah and Alan Burch (Janet), Sandy, Utah. He was preceded in death by his mother (Alta M. Burch), father (Golden R. Burch), sister (Linda B. Poulton) and a baby sister (who died at birth). Special thanks to Alpha Home Health and Hospice, Dr. Matthew Williams, Nurse Loretta and caregivers (Theresa and Norine), for their kind, loving support. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, June 19th, at 12:00 pm, at the Lindon City Cemetery, 600 N. 200 E., Lindon, Utah. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary