Joan Burns has made an immeasurable contribution with her work in our local skating community, U.S. Figure Skating, and the ISU. Starting in 1963, her judging career has spanned over 50 years and included National and International competitions. Joan judged 14 Nationals from 1975 to 2002 and 22 International competitions from 1982 to 2002. Joan served as Team Leader for ISU Tours following Worlds each year, held in Europe and Asia, from 1986 to 2001. Her service to U.S. Figure Skating has been long and extensive. Not only did Joan serve as a U.S. Figure Skating Board member from 1984 to 1987, but she also sat on various U.S. Figure Skating committees from 1992 to 2007.
Like many judges, Joan started her involvement in our sport as a competitive figure skater. During the 1948 Regionals at Berkeley Iceland, which included the entire state of California at that time, she competed in the Novice Ladies event, and won the Silver medal in a field of 40 skaters. Joan went on to Sectionals in Seattle to take 4th place in the freeskate.
Shortly before her judging career began, Joan was a skate parent, accompanying her son, Michael, to the Burlingame rink. She became involved in the El Camino Ice Skating Club, and held various offices, such as, Test Chair, Secretary, and President. It was through her work as Membership Chairman for U.S. Figure Skating, 1981 to 1984, that the project began to merge the El Camino Ice Skating Club, the Silver Edge Club of Sunnyvale, and the Crystal Springs Figure Skating Club into Peninsula Skating Club. This merger was formalized in 1983 with the approval of U.S. Figure Skating, as well as the approval of the membership of the three above mentioned clubs, which produced one strong membership. By 1991, PSC hosted a major event, Skate America, with Joan Burns and Roy Cofer as Event Chairs. Peninsula Skating Club also went on to host the World Championships in Oakland in 1992, along with St Moritz Ice Skating Club. It was in the 1990s that Joan served as Peninsula Skating Club's President for three terms.
The Central California Interclub Association thanks Joan Burns for her service with the CCIA, as well. Joan was Co-President in the 1970s/80s for two terms. Joan Burns helped shape our skating community of today and worked toward the successful future of our sport. She will be greatly missed.