Robert 'Bob' Bursian

TRAVERSE CITY — Robert C. "Bob" Bursian, 88, of Traverse City, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, March 18, 2011, at Tendercare Traverse City.Bob was born Sunday, July 30, 1922, to the late Carl and Gertrude (Meyer) Bursian in Cheboygan, and was raised in Petoskey. Bob graduated from Petoskey High School in 1940, where he earned 10 varsity sports letters and was selected to the Detroit Free Press All-State High School football team. Upon high school graduation, Bob attended the Aeronautical Engineering School at the University of Michigan. He remained active in sports on the collegiate level and was voted the "Most Improved Freshman" on the Wolverine wrestling team.On Sept. 26, 1942, shortly after beginning his second year at the U-M, Bob answered his country's call and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He had basic training and schooling at Sheppard Field in Wichita Falls, Texas, and Chanute Technical Airfield in Rantoul, Ill., where he was became an Aircraft Engine Specialist. He was assigned to the 516th Service Squadron at Laurinburg-Maxton Army Air Base in Maxton, N.C., and then assigned to the 330th Airdrome Squadron at Bowman Field in Louisville, Ky.In July 1944, Bob's squadron received movement orders to the China-Burma-India theater of operations. He served in Dinjan, India, Myitkyina, Burma, and Shanghai, China. Bob was awarded the Soldier's Medal, the highest military non-combat award for the heroism and bravery he displayed in July 1945 for saving a distressed fellow soldier from drowning in the treacherous waters of the Irrawaddy River in Myitkina. Bob's military service medals and ribbons include: the Soldier's Medal, the War Department Meritorious Service Unit Citation, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three service stars, the American Defense Campaign Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the China War Memorial Medal (issued by the Chinese government).On Monday, Feb. 4, 1946, Bob married Donna E. "Betty" (John) Bursian in Petoskey. Bob and Betty moved to Traverse City in 1949 after he completed his undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University. Bob earned his bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and later, his master's degree in School Administration.Bob began serving the Traverse City community as an elementary school teacher, an assistant principal, and then principal at Central Grade School. Bob joined the Traverse City Area Public Schools district administration when he accepted the position as Director of Transportation, Buildings and Grounds. He retired from TCAPS after 30 years of dedicated service. During his tenure with TCAPS, Bob initiated the AAA Safety Patrol program, and also served as president of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation.Outside of school activities and responsibilities, Bob served as the Regional President of the Michigan Heart Association. He served on the Charter Board of the Grand Traverse YMCA, and helped to initiate Y Indian Guides Father and Son Program. Bob was a charter board member of the TBA Education Credit Union. He was also a member of the Merrill's Marauders Association, the CBI Hump Pilots Association, and the OSS-Detachment 101 Association.Bob was a long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church, where he actively served numerous years on the church vestry, acted as both Junior and Senior Warden, and performed many administrative functions. Bob was also active in the Men's Group and participated in collection for the food pantry.During his retirement he enjoyed craftwork, woodcarving, home repairs and anything involving University of Michigan sports.Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty; his children, Steve (Barb) Bursian, of Haslett, Mary (Stephen) Tuttle, of Traverse City, and Mark (Wang Hongying), of Handan, Hebei, China; grandchildren, Christopher (Diane) Bursian, of Northglenn, Colo., Kristin Bursian, of San Diego, Calif., Sarah (Jason Weurfel) Dame, of Indianapolis, Ind., Jeremiah Bursian of Escondido, Calif., Ashley Bursian, of Traverse City; and great-grandchildren, Connor Bursian, of Northglenn, Colo., and Hakuin and Rumi Bursian, of Escondido, Calif. Bob is also survived by his brother-in-law, George (Beverly) John, of Charleston, S.C.Bob was preceded in death by his grandson, Joshua Bursian, and his brother-in-law, Dean John.The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Tendercare Traverse City for the excellent care they provided Bob and his family.Memorial services celebrating Bob's life will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Grace Episcopal Church in Traverse City, with Father Daniel Richards officiating. Friends and family may call at the church beginning at noon.Memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Episcopal Church.Please share your memories with the family at Bob's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service.