Bruce Radford Burns

Bruce Radford Burns, also known as Bruce Radford Campbell, 85, of South Kingstown and a longtime resident of Kenyon, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023. He was the son of the late William Anthony Campbell and Lotta Louise Burns, as well as the adoptive son of William Burns. He was the beloved husband of 49 years to Jeanne M. (St. Onge) Burns.

Born in Boston, Bruce grew up in Newport. He went on to enjoy a life of adventure on the ocean. His passion was sharing his knowledge as a fisheries biologist. He worked in Pennsylvania, Woods Hole, and Narragansett during his career. He was most proud of the students he mentored, both in marine sciences and as a volunteer track coach at The Prout School.

His hobbies included photography; kayaking; surf and fly freshwater fishing; oil painting; and gardening, especially his beloved lilies and roses. Bruce especially loved cats and birds, often being known to shovel a path to the feeders for them after a winter’s snow. Above all else, he loved adventures with the kids.

Bruce is survived by his wife, sons, Jonathan Burns of Cazadero, CA and Williams Burns (wife Elizabeth Louie) of Pacifica, CA; his daughters, Kimberlie Burns of Hyannis, MA; Melodie Burns of Bethlehem, NH, his brother, William Campbell (wife Nancy) of Bellingham, WA; his sister, Dianne Gutman of Still River, MA.

In addition to his parents, Bruce was predeceased by his sister, Lorna Louise Campbell.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Rd, Kingston.

The Burns Family extends their deep gratitude to the wonderful staff of Scallop Shell Nursing Home and Hope Hospice for the care both organizations provided so generously to Bruce at the end of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to Hope Hospice at 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904; the RI Food Bank at 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907; or a charity of your choice.