In Memoriam: R. W. "Bill" Burrows

Print this Article | Send to Colleague

The TAPPI community is saddened to learn of the passing of R. W. Burrows from complications with advanced stage cancer. He was known to friends, family, and colleagues as Bill Burrows, the longtime papermaker and CEO of Burrows Paper Corp. Burrows was active in the paper industry for more than five decades (54 years). A fourth-generation papermaker, he started working at Burrows Paper when he was only twelve years old. His passion and dedication to the industry never faded, but instead seemed to become ever-stronger over the years he committed himself to his company.

Burrows TAPPI membership spanned more than 30 years. He held a tight bond with the association, becoming a member in 1984.

He was born in Little Falls, N.Y., USA, on September 24, 1949, the son of Ralph William Burrows and Gladys Anderson Burrows. Bill graduated from the Berkshire School and then the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1971. He then served as a Lieutenant (SC) in the U.S. Naval Reserve until 1974.

After he returned to Little Falls in 1974 he led the company in hundredfold growth, from positions including chairman, CEO and president.

Bill also held leadership roles for 28 years at Herkimer County Trust, was a founding board member and first president of the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, and founded the charitable Burrows Foundation in 1990.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Ji Ting Burrows; a son, William Burrows; four daughters, Lydia, Ava, Audrey and Joy Burrows; two granddaughters, Ariel Osman and Isabel Burrows; two sisters, Margaret Burrows Martin and Judith Burrows Csatari; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Susan Burrows Hooker. Bill will be missed by many in the paper and allied industries in addition to his countless friends, family, and neighbors.

Back to TAPPI: Over The Wire