COIN WORLD ARTICLE ON JOHN BURNS

Following the news of Mr. Burns’ death, McBride said he and Wayne Homren, editor of The E-Sylum, the online publication of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society, had discussed what needed to be done, as they considered themselves Mr. Burns’ oldest friends.

McBride said arrangements are being made for cremation and the sale of Mr. Burns’ book inventory to pay off any debts.

He said he plans to return to Florida soon and make arrangements to claim Mr. Burns’ vehicle and the inventory from his table that FUN officials have placed in storage.

Cindy Wibker, FUN’s convention coordinator, confirmed that FUN has Mr. Burns’ books in storage and personal items that were at his table.

McBride said PAN officials are planning on setting up a John Burns Memorial Fund to support numismatic research.

“He would tell people at shows when they asked him what he had to sell, that he sold knowledge,” McBride said.

Pat was sworn in Friday as the executor of John's estate, and planning continues for John's final arrangements. A service/dinner/wake is being planned for Friday May 9, 2014, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN) coin show in Monroeville, PA. There may also be a similar event at this summer's American Numismatic Association convention. John's many friends are all invited to join us in remembering a unique hobby personality.

We are heartened by the steady response to the John H. Burns Memorial Fund. Pat reports that donations have been coming via the mail and the PAN web site. To donate to the fund or get more information about the PAN show, visit the site at www.pancoins.org .

One of the concepts we've discussed for use of the funds raised is a "John Burns Coin Show Reference Library", a small but useful collection of reference books that coin show attendees can use. A volunteer or paid Young Numismatist could serve as librarian, helping collectors and the general public look up their coins. We would of course refer people to the show's supply dealer to purchase copies of the books if they find them useful. So as not to compete, the library may not always have the latest editions of all books on hand. The library would be a way to keep John's presence at shows and continue his mission of numismatic education. Please let us know what you think. -Editor

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: THE JOHN H. BURNS MEMORIAL FUND (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n04a02.html)

Wayne Homren, Editor