Rob was one of those people you always remember. Apparently he was a practical joker. My husband, Jamie Pfaff NTE '73 tells me that Ed Coyle's dad wanted to get back at Rob for a joke, and asked Jamie to help him out. Jamie knew Rob had a VW and knew where the party was on Saturday night. Of course Rob would be there. So Jamie put the back of the car on cinder blocks so the rear wheels were elevated. When Rob tried to drive away, the engine gunned but the car wouldn't move. If anyone knows what happened next in the chain of practical jokes, do tell...
I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Rob Bonzo passing away. He was a close friend- and quite the amusing jokester. The last time I saw Rob was I believe in 1998 after my Dad's death- and Rob, Kevin Hynes and I played golf.
There are many stories- but I still tell this one: Rob calls me up- (now remember, rotary phones, one line, and phone was in the library where my entire family was congregated)- Rob says- the Rolling Stones are coming to Chicago (1972) let's get tickets. So I was so overjoyed- I asked my parents in the room. My Day knew all about the Rolling Stones (more than I did) as he worked at Time magazine. He knew about Brian Jones, knew about Altamont. So.. he made it clear that there is no way I would be going to see the Rolling Stones at night at the International Amphitheater. No way at night. I told Rob over the phone- and Rob says... well, they have a show in the afternoon- ask your Dad. Not knowing any better- I asked my Dad- what if it was during the day- I doubt they would have a show during the day- but if they did would that be ok. My Dad feeling there was no way a rock concert would be in the day, said yes. And so, Rob and I went- much to the miff of my Dad. From then on, my parents called Rob "Slick"!
Very sorry for this news. RIP, Rob Burns. I'm afraid I never knew him, but certainly remember him from Howard days. I moved in to the area Nov 1969 and he was the first one i saw at school. I was affected by his tall, perfect presence and wondered if I moved in to a very rich neighborhood (Well, it is a wealthy neighborhood) where everyone looks like an actor or an actress. Later that day, we would have a sort of free for all of throwing of basketballs in the gym and I saw him deciding where to throw, but with this dignified air as he tossed the ball up and down in his hand. Again, more insecurity on my part as everyone would have to ice skate for gym class and I came from a place where I could not. I fumbled even getting in to the skates and watched as he walked out, easily and effortlessly, on his skates. Pure class.
Thanks, Paula, for posting the news regarding Rob. I so appreciate hearing about some of those memorable people who crossed our paths, Rob was one of them ❤️.
Going to miss you Bonzo. We had so much fun at the parties at your house, that we weren't officially invited to, but our G-Town Gang MO was to just drive by and look for cars while we were cruising in Kirb's Mach 1, which found us eventually situated at either your home or even Paula's from time to time.... we would just try to blend in, being the quiet group we were.
Can't wait to read more stories and tributes to you, and you will be missed.
I am sure each of us has so many stories about Rob. He was a close friend. In many ways like a brother. He stood up at my wedding. Here is one story.
I remember trudging up the cement steps outside of the back door to the men's locker room on the Friday before Labor Day weekend after a grueling week of two-a-day soccer practices. We were all exhausted and wondered who among us might make the cut for the varsity team. Rob Burns was waiting at the top of the stairs, foot tapping. "Come on", he said, "We're going to the Illinois State fair. " It was a typical Bonzo move, as if this was a plan you already knew about and you were part of the reason things were behind schedule. Any reasonable argument was just going to be an amusement of futility. "What, like you're going to mow the lawn all weekend? Come on, already." Why not, I finally thought. A road trip, right? After stopping by to throw clothes in a backpack, let my parents know we were going, we took off for Springfield in Rob’s VW bug. That VW bug of his. I swear, if VW bugs could talk, many of us would be in some sort of a holding cell.
About two hours into the trip the VW broke down and we spent a long while trying to get it started again. We even tried pushing it and popping the clutch. Nothing worked. Other cars sped by so close you could feel the air swirling each time they passed. Frustration finally boiled over. Rob grabbed the air intake vent on the back of the engine and shook it so violently that the whole car rocked back and forth on the suspension. That did the trick, though. It started right back up again. Off we went. Only a VW. Only Rob.
We got to Springfield, set up camp at a local site, and enjoyed our provisions well into the evening. The next morning neither of felt like going to the fair so we went out to breakfast to decide what to do next. When in doubt, eat. At one point I suggested we drive on to St. Louis. Between mouthfuls of pancakes, Rob said, “Why don’t we just go to New Orleans?” So, over the next twelve hours we drove south, listened to every cassette tape we had, and talked about anything under the sun. If you are reading this there is a good chance your name came up. If you are female, probably more than once.
We drove across the bridge over Lake Pontchartrain in the dark in a sideways rain, as tropical storm Delia moved through the Gulf. We finally got to New Oleans, checked into a hotel near the French Quarter, and did what people normally do at night when visiting New Orleans. Details are sketchy. We had a fine time. The next day we got a late start back and drove up through Baton Rouge and north along the Natchez trace. Night fell as we passed through long stretches of dense fog. At various intervals along the way hundreds of curious little frogs were caught in headlights, hopping across the road. Spanish Moss hung from the trees on both sides. The Mississippi River was on our left. The song Roundabout from Yes came on and the whole scene coalesced to form a bit of a surreal moment. We were speechless. Then we burst out laughing at the absudity of everything. So we drove along through the rest of the night, arrived back late the next morning, and started the new school year the day after. I never made the varsity squad that fall, but that was okay. I belatedly realized Rob never really had any intention of going to the Illinois State fair. He did enjoy our trip to New Orleans, though, and ended up attending Tulane University for a while a couple of years later.
There were always a lot of moving parts to life back then. Just like with a VW engine. Sometimes you needed someone to shake it all up a bit to keep things in balance and moving forward. To remind you there were larger things afoot. Like all the friendships we formed that became part of our extended family. And that was always one of Rob's unique gifts. He was an instigator. He was my friend. He was my brother. He stood up at my wedding. I will miss him.
Houslow: what a great tribute for Bonzo and love the personalized story, and your junior theme teacher would hqve been proud, the writing was amazing. Phrases like "night fell...." and so much more. You have a talent for writing my friend. "Details are sketchy" told a lot too. Hope you come to AZ and visit Roxie and me - can stay with us or at our vacation rentals anytime. ... and we can toast to Bonzo
Paula McLeod
Rob was one of those people you always remember. Apparently he was a practical joker. My husband, Jamie Pfaff NTE '73 tells me that Ed Coyle's dad wanted to get back at Rob for a joke, and asked Jamie to help him out. Jamie knew Rob had a VW and knew where the party was on Saturday night. Of course Rob would be there. So Jamie put the back of the car on cinder blocks so the rear wheels were elevated. When Rob tried to drive away, the engine gunned but the car wouldn't move. If anyone knows what happened next in the chain of practical jokes, do tell...
Collyer Smith
I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Rob Bonzo passing away. He was a close friend- and quite the amusing jokester. The last time I saw Rob was I believe in 1998 after my Dad's death- and Rob, Kevin Hynes and I played golf.There are many stories- but I still tell this one: Rob calls me up- (now remember, rotary phones, one line, and phone was in the library where my entire family was congregated)- Rob says- the Rolling Stones are coming to Chicago (1972) let's get tickets. So I was so overjoyed- I asked my parents in the room. My Day knew all about the Rolling Stones (more than I did) as he worked at Time magazine. He knew about Brian Jones, knew about Altamont. So.. he made it clear that there is no way I would be going to see the Rolling Stones at night at the International Amphitheater. No way at night. I told Rob over the phone- and Rob says... well, they have a show in the afternoon- ask your Dad. Not knowing any better- I asked my Dad- what if it was during the day- I doubt they would have a show during the day- but if they did would that be ok. My Dad feeling there was no way a rock concert would be in the day, said yes. And so, Rob and I went- much to the miff of my Dad. From then on, my parents called Rob "Slick"!
Patrick Sullivan
Very sorry for this news. RIP, Rob Burns. I'm afraid I never knew him, but certainly remember him from Howard days. I moved in to the area Nov 1969 and he was the first one i saw at school. I was affected by his tall, perfect presence and wondered if I moved in to a very rich neighborhood (Well, it is a wealthy neighborhood) where everyone looks like an actor or an actress. Later that day, we would have a sort of free for all of throwing of basketballs in the gym and I saw him deciding where to throw, but with this dignified air as he tossed the ball up and down in his hand. Again, more insecurity on my part as everyone would have to ice skate for gym class and I came from a place where I could not. I fumbled even getting in to the skates and watched as he walked out, easily and effortlessly, on his skates. Pure class.
Alison Cartwright (Sesko)
Thanks, Paula, for posting the news regarding Rob. I so appreciate hearing about some of those memorable people who crossed our paths, Rob was one of them ❤️.
Jerry Braun
Going to miss you Bonzo. We had so much fun at the parties at your house, that we weren't officially invited to, but our G-Town Gang MO was to just drive by and look for cars while we were cruising in Kirb's Mach 1, which found us eventually situated at either your home or even Paula's from time to time.... we would just try to blend in, being the quiet group we were.
Can't wait to read more stories and tributes to you, and you will be missed.
Matt Houser
I am sure each of us has so many stories about Rob. He was a close friend. In many ways like a brother. He stood up at my wedding. Here is one story.
I remember trudging up the cement steps outside of the back door to the men's locker room on the Friday before Labor Day weekend after a grueling week of two-a-day soccer practices. We were all exhausted and wondered who among us might make the cut for the varsity team. Rob Burns was waiting at the top of the stairs, foot tapping. "Come on", he said, "We're going to the Illinois State fair. " It was a typical Bonzo move, as if this was a plan you already knew about and you were part of the reason things were behind schedule. Any reasonable argument was just going to be an amusement of futility. "What, like you're going to mow the lawn all weekend? Come on, already." Why not, I finally thought. A road trip, right? After stopping by to throw clothes in a backpack, let my parents know we were going, we took off for Springfield in Rob’s VW bug. That VW bug of his. I swear, if VW bugs could talk, many of us would be in some sort of a holding cell.
About two hours into the trip the VW broke down and we spent a long while trying to get it started again. We even tried pushing it and popping the clutch. Nothing worked. Other cars sped by so close you could feel the air swirling each time they passed. Frustration finally boiled over. Rob grabbed the air intake vent on the back of the engine and shook it so violently that the whole car rocked back and forth on the suspension. That did the trick, though. It started right back up again. Off we went. Only a VW. Only Rob.
We got to Springfield, set up camp at a local site, and enjoyed our provisions well into the evening. The next morning neither of felt like going to the fair so we went out to breakfast to decide what to do next. When in doubt, eat. At one point I suggested we drive on to St. Louis. Between mouthfuls of pancakes, Rob said, “Why don’t we just go to New Orleans?” So, over the next twelve hours we drove south, listened to every cassette tape we had, and talked about anything under the sun. If you are reading this there is a good chance your name came up. If you are female, probably more than once.
We drove across the bridge over Lake Pontchartrain in the dark in a sideways rain, as tropical storm Delia moved through the Gulf. We finally got to New Oleans, checked into a hotel near the French Quarter, and did what people normally do at night when visiting New Orleans. Details are sketchy. We had a fine time. The next day we got a late start back and drove up through Baton Rouge and north along the Natchez trace. Night fell as we passed through long stretches of dense fog. At various intervals along the way hundreds of curious little frogs were caught in headlights, hopping across the road. Spanish Moss hung from the trees on both sides. The Mississippi River was on our left. The song Roundabout from Yes came on and the whole scene coalesced to form a bit of a surreal moment. We were speechless. Then we burst out laughing at the absudity of everything. So we drove along through the rest of the night, arrived back late the next morning, and started the new school year the day after. I never made the varsity squad that fall, but that was okay. I belatedly realized Rob never really had any intention of going to the Illinois State fair. He did enjoy our trip to New Orleans, though, and ended up attending Tulane University for a while a couple of years later.
There were always a lot of moving parts to life back then. Just like with a VW engine. Sometimes you needed someone to shake it all up a bit to keep things in balance and moving forward. To remind you there were larger things afoot. Like all the friendships we formed that became part of our extended family. And that was always one of Rob's unique gifts. He was an instigator. He was my friend. He was my brother. He stood up at my wedding. I will miss him.
Jerry Braun
Houslow: what a great tribute for Bonzo and love the personalized story, and your junior theme teacher would hqve been proud, the writing was amazing. Phrases like "night fell...." and so much more. You have a talent for writing my friend. "Details are sketchy" told a lot too. Hope you come to AZ and visit Roxie and me - can stay with us or at our vacation rentals anytime. ... and we can toast to Bonzo