Rich played first base on the Dodgers the year we won the Montclair Little League championship. He was fast and ran track on out Hillside track team (he won the dash and I won the hurdles).
Rich and I became good friends in 10th grade. We spent many hours walking the streets of Montclair together in our pre drivers license days. Practice to home, home to Bonds, Bonds to any rumored party,etc. After Rich got his license he let me in on the sage advice he had gotten from his older brother. "After a night of drinking, just put your left bumper on the center line and eventually you will end up home. Stupidly we tested that theory quite a few times. We remained close friends through college, his stint in the army, his relocation to Cincinnati and until his passing. He was always a true friend. We had some great times and I have some wonderful memories (some clearer than others).
Richard Burns was a wonderful friend, gentle person, athlete, student leader and oh so handsome! We were blessed with his presence from Southwest School through Hillside to MHS. When he and his lovely and sweet wife were at the 25th(?) Reunion, I was so happy for him. He seemed so content, happy and loved by a great woman. I am truly sad he is gone and wonder...When? Where? How? So many warm memories of a great guy.
I remeber Richie so well in 12th grade English class with that horrible teacher, Mrs. Burton. I sat in front of him and he had a really bad toothache one day. He kept putting Anbesol on his gums to stop the pain but did it so often that he burned his gums causing more pain. I remember laughing with him about how stupid he was to burn his own gums instead of going to the dentist. He was a nice guy and I'm sorry to learn of his passing. I hope that people who weren't in our class can read the comments so many have posted on those who are no longer with us. It might bring some comfort.
Eugene Baucum
Rich played first base on the Dodgers the year we won the Montclair Little League championship. He was fast and ran track on out Hillside track team (he won the dash and I won the hurdles).
Howard Youngman
Rich and I became good friends in 10th grade. We spent many hours walking the streets of Montclair together in our pre drivers license days. Practice to home, home to Bonds, Bonds to any rumored party,etc. After Rich got his license he let me in on the sage advice he had gotten from his older brother. "After a night of drinking, just put your left bumper on the center line and eventually you will end up home. Stupidly we tested that theory quite a few times. We remained close friends through college, his stint in the army, his relocation to Cincinnati and until his passing. He was always a true friend. We had some great times and I have some wonderful memories (some clearer than others).
Patricia Orgain
Richard Burns was a wonderful friend, gentle person, athlete, student leader and oh so handsome! We were blessed with his presence from Southwest School through Hillside to MHS. When he and his lovely and sweet wife were at the 25th(?) Reunion, I was so happy for him. He seemed so content, happy and loved by a great woman. I am truly sad he is gone and wonder...When? Where? How? So many warm memories of a great guy.
Barbara Ayers (Parker)
I remeber Richie so well in 12th grade English class with that horrible teacher, Mrs. Burton. I sat in front of him and he had a really bad toothache one day. He kept putting Anbesol on his gums to stop the pain but did it so often that he burned his gums causing more pain. I remember laughing with him about how stupid he was to burn his own gums instead of going to the dentist. He was a nice guy and I'm sorry to learn of his passing. I hope that people who weren't in our class can read the comments so many have posted on those who are no longer with us. It might bring some comfort.