RE: 'School spirit "icon," Bob Burton, passes'

Debbie: Great article on Mr. Burton. I graduated FUHS Class of ’78 and had a lot of interaction with him. You cannot overstate what can only be described as the contribution he has made to humanity.

He had a real skill of always being in touch with what was relevant to students over the years. As a result, he always commanded the attention and respect needed for his messages to sink in. He was fun and very much loved.

Spirit Works is the real deal too, and not just for students. I used the original book and the “99 Nuggets” for years in my company here in Australia. This is fundamental human motivation stuff, at least as impactful as anything taught by Stephen Covey or any other management gurus.

I think the most important thing to consider is that Bob had a major positive influence on the lives of thousands of people at a time when they were very impressionable. To varying degrees, these people pass along the values, lessons and attitudes that they learned from Mr. B. (I know that I do). So, his positive influence stretches far beyond merely the people he came into personal contact with.

Again, great article, Debbie. He’s still in us.

Jon Johnston