Niles man named head of Elks district

Niles native Robert Burch has received a huge honor from the national Elks Lodge president.

The 42-year-old will serve as district deputy to the Elks president for lodges in the Southwest District of the Michigan Elks Association.

Burch said that means he will serve as the eyes and years of the national president, inspecting paperwork and making sure things are running smoothly in 10 lodges in this area.

“This is a very big honor for me,” said Burch, who joined the Niles Elks Lodge in 2002.

Burch has been an officer at the Niles Elks lodge since 2007 and currently serves as secretary. He was voted exulted ruler of the Niles Elks from 2009-2012.

Burch said he enjoys the friendships he has made through the Elks lodge and the ways the lodge gives back to the community.

Local Elks donate time and resources to area veterans, youth, special needs children and families in need.

“It is a lot of fun and has a real family-type atmosphere,” he said. “There is no greater reward than putting smiles on

people’s faces.

“I’ve gotten to meet a lot of Elks and a lot of others that are part of the brotherhood and they have all made me feel really special.”

Burch said he is especially thankful for the way the Elks helped him deal with the death of his father, Robert Lowell Burch, who passed away in

February of 2007.

The funeral reception was held at the lodge.

Burch was installed as district deputy at the 150th Elks National Convention last month in New Orleans.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Niles Elks Lodge can contact Burch by email at niles1322@mielks.org.