AUBURN – Robert J. Burns, 67, of Auburn, died on Friday, July 13, with his loved ones by his side.

He was born in Portland, Nov. 19, 1939, to Dr. Robert M. and Dorothy Dunbar Burns. He was raised in Windham and graduated from Portland High School, in 1961.

As a young man, he was known as “Swampy,” but later in life was better known as “F.B.” or “Father Bob.” In 1954, at the age of 15 he was the youngest pilot in the state of Maine. He flew much in his youth. His hobbies included horse racing at Scarborough Downs, visiting Las Vegas, reading books and being with family and friends.

He was a big Gene Autry fan and loved old cars. He led a full, rich life and left this world with no regrets.

He was a salesman his entire life selling home improvement products. His latest job was working with his daughter at Brunswick Steel of Auburn.

Surviving are two sons, James Burns and his wife, Lisa, of South Portland, and Robert Burns of Turner; two daughters, Gina D’Avignon of Auburn, and Tracy McClay of Rumford; two brothers, Thurston Burns of Falmouth, Mass., and Gregory Burns of Windham; a sister, Lola True of Crawfordville, Fla.; a half brother, Tom Ohlund; two half sisters, Jane Lunt and Joanne Sloan; and six grandchildren, Jesse McClay, Danny McClay, Patrice Burns, Baliegh Burns, Zachary Burns and Dillion Burns.

He was predeceased by a son, Paul.

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