UPDATE ON THE JOHN BURNS ESTATE

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V17 2014 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 17, Number 10, March 9, 2014, Article 8

A number of publications, including The Numismatist from the American Numismatic Association have published tributes to numismatic literature dealer John H. Burns, who passed away during the FUN Show earlier this year. As but one example, in the official publication of the Original Hobo Nickel Society, Bo Tales Sandy Pearl wrote:

On a sad note, used book dealer John Burns took the westbound during the show. He went with his boots on and will be remembered by many of us as a fair, honest and friendly person. He sold me Del Romines' first Hobo Nickel guidebook, signed by Del and Bill Fivaz, among others I have bought from him. He will be missed by all who knew him. (Spring 2014, p17)

"Taking the westbound" is Hobo code for death. John would be honored to have the phrase applied to him. Pat McBride is the executor of John's estate, and we'd like to pass along this update for E-Sylum readers.

First, we'd like to thank everyone who donated to the John H. Burns Memorial Fund, supervised by the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN). Over $5,000 was raised, and these funds allowed Pat to arrange John's cremation, pay his rent, and travel to Florida to retrieve John's ashes, personal effects, truck and numismatic literature stock, which had been carefully looked after by officers of the Florida United Numismatists (FUN).

Much of that money has now been spent. Pat can provide information to any donor curious about the details. The estate is solvent for the time being, but further donations will be welcomed, and will help in the interim before all of John's books and coins can be prepared for sale. Click on the ad below to be taken to the PAN web site to make a donation. Remember, the estate will reimburse the fund as John's inventory is sold, and it will be managed henceforth by PAN to promote numismatic literature and education.

This week Pat and a number of helpers from western Pennsylvania coin clubs have begun cleaning John's townhouse and organizing his numismatic literature holdings, which go far beyond the truckload he took to shows. It's a big job, and I'll be up in Pittsburgh next weekend to assist.

As noted earlier, a service/dinner/wake will be held on Friday May 9, 2014 during the PAN show in Monroeville, PA. We look forward to seeing many of John's friends there. Stay tuned for further information.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: JOHN H. BURNS 1958-2014 (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n02a02.html)

Wayne Homren, Editor