Burdett Loomis Obituary

Burdett "Bird" Anderson Loomis, 76, died in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family on September 25, 2021. Bird was an esteemed professor of political science, author, editor, occasional reluctant department chair, and all-around great guy.

Born June 14, 1945 in New York City at the Booth Memorial Hospital for Unwed Mothers (though his parents were very much married, thank you very much), Burdett shortly thereafter moved to Meadville, PA with his still-married parents. Bird attended high school at the Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA from 1959 to 1963 before matriculating to Carleton College in Northfield, MN from 1963 to 1967. While at college, Bird served as the coach and captain of the Carleton Men's soccer team and the captain of the Carleton Men's golf team. He also served as the editor of the yearbook, starting a long career of collecting and editing other people's work for publication.

In 1968, Bird married Michel Thompson Loomis before the coupled moved to Beaver Dam, WI. While in Beaver Dam, Bird taught history at Wayland Academy for one year before starting graduate school at the University of Wisconsin, where he completed his MA in 1970 and PhD in 1974.

Bird's career as a professor began at Knox College in Galesburg, IL where he served as an assistant professor and soccer coach from 1975-1979. During his first year with Knox College (1975-76), Bird served as an ASA Congressional Fellow for US Representative Paul Simon (D-IL) in Washington D.C., starting a career-long focus on Congress and its members.

In 1979 Bird and Michel followed Bird's colleague, and more importantly tennis partner, Professor Paul Schumaker, to Lawrence, KS to join the University of Kansas Political Science Department. While at KU, One of Bird's most cherished accomplishments was directing and expanding the KU's Political Science Department's Washington D.C. Internship Program and following with pride the careers of the students who passed through the program regardless of their political affiliation. Though retired as a Professor from KU in 2017, Bird continued his involvement in the KU internship programs as a Professor Emeritus through 2021.

Throughout his career at the University of Kansas, Bird became a frequent commentator and analyst of Kansas and Congressional politics. Combining a depth of academic learning and personal experience with the politicians he was commenting on, Bird quickly became a go-to quote for national publications. A life-long Democrat, Bird remained relatively neutral in his comments and analysis even in his retirement as he continued writing monthly political columns for Kansas newspapers.

Lawrence quickly became the Loomis Family's forever home where both Bird and Michel dedicated their time, energy, and occasionally money investing in the community. Living his passion for politics, education, and art, Bird and Michel filled their home with local, regional, and national art and frequently hosted visiting artists, scholars, and political operatives in their home. Bird also served on the national advisory board for KU's well-respected Spencer Museum of Art, allowing even more interactions with the art and artists Bird loved. In 2012, the Spencer Museum hosted Bird's curated exhibit Politics as Symbol/Symbol as Politics, an experience Bird cherished.

The Loomis family were also fortunate to be founding investors in both Free State Brewery and Wheatfield's Bakery, keystones of downtown Lawrence. Bird served on the board of the Free State Brewery until 2020 and enjoyed their beers, especially their Octoberfest and Copperhead Pale Ale, right up to the end.

Bird is survived by his better half of 53 years, Michel Thompson Loomis; son Dakota (Krystal) Loomis, two grandchildren, Georgia Gladys and Maribelle Bird, all of Lawrence, KS. Sister-in-law Tove (Rolf Rundquist) Thompson, nephew Casey (Wendy) Rundquist and great-niece Emma all of Minneapolis, MN. Bird was proceeded in death by father Butler Ives Loomis, 1898-1967 and mother Mary Anderson Loomis, 1902-1991.

A celebration of life will be held November 7, 2021 from 1 pm to 3 pm at Marvin Grove behind The Spencer Museum of Art. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, Bird requested donations be made to the Burdett Loomis Scholars Fund through the KU Endowment.