Robert “Robbie” E. Burnham

PORTLAND – Robert “Robbie” E. Burnham, 72, passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

He was born May 15, 1950 in Portland, the son of Ralph and Myrtle (MacMillian) Burnham. He grew up on Bramhall Street surrounded by his family and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He spoke fondly of playing in the Nathan Clifford schoolyard, attending King Middle School, and was a proud alumnus of Portland High School, class of 1968. He met many life-long friends while at PHS and was a member of the varsity basketball team. Since then he has been an avid supporter of the team, attending their games at the Expo.

Robbie graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, class of 1972. Again, meeting many life-long friends and his future wife, Valerie. The two of them made their home in Portland where they raised their daughters Laura and Ellie.

Robbie was a self-employed painting contractor for most of his life. In recent years, he was a subcontractor for Eider Investments.

Robbie enjoyed playing golf, hunting, fishing, sailing in Casco Bay, and spending summers at his family’s cottage on Peaks Island. He loved reading about history, playing cards, and complaining about Boston sports teams with his friends at Forest Gardens.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie McVey; daughters Laura Burnham and husband Nicholas Jutila and Eleanor Burnham and husband Michael Connors; granddaughters Ava and Emilia Jutila; a brother, Allen Burnham and wife Sabin; a nephew, Nathan Burnham and his family.

Visiting hours will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, at Jones, Rich, and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, followed by a celebration of Robbie’s life at 10 a.m.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com