City owes Dr. Burns debt of gratitude

As we remember Dr. Larry Burns, let's drive through the western part of McCook. On the tour we will see Burns Lab, located on the northeast corner of the intersection of U.S. Highways 6-34 and U.S. 83. Then, farther to the west, we will view the vast expanse of golfing holes that make up the renowned Heritage Hills Golf Course.

These two thriving enterprises -- both instrumental in the town's livelihood -- are directly traceable to the efforts of Dr. Burns.

"He was a professional who was devoted to his profession and worked hard for the community," said George Rainbolt, Dr. Burns' banker and fellow Country Club board member.

Dr. Burns, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 83, came to McCook in 1949 to begin his podiatry career. Always a man of vision, his efforts led to the creation of an orthotic device business. To this day, the firm continues to serve all parts of the United States, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico and military bases around the world.

And, although Dr. Burns and his children moved on to other locales, the orthotic device business continues to be based in McCook. One of the community's established industries, Burns Podiatric Laboratory employs 36 people under the direction of the general manager, Mary Thorson, and the board of directors, which is headed by three of Dr. Larry's children: Dr. Mike Burns, Fort Collins, Colo., president; Mary O'Dea, Loveland, Colo., comptroller; and Dr. Greg Burns, Kearney, vice president. Another son, Paul Burns, resides in Yorba Linda, Cal. Larry is survived by his wife, Dorothy. His first wife, Donna, passed away in 1983. He was also preceded in death by a son, Dennis.

Because of the respect earned over years of quality production, Burns Podiatric Laboratory is held in high esteem by podiatrists throughout the nation and other parts of the world. While the foot support devices were gaining widespread acclaim elsewhere, Dr. Burns was staying active in his home community as well. He was an Honorary Life Member of Father Trayer's Council No. 1126 of the Knights of Columbus, which he served as Grand Knight, and was a longtime member of the Chris Hansen Post No. 203 of the American Legion.

As president of the McCook Country Club board of directors, he was a driving force behind development of the 18-hole Heritage Hills golf course, taking a leading role -- along with Rainbolt and others -- to turn the golf course dream into a reality.

Dr. Larry Burns lived an illustrious life, serving both his profession and his community with distinction. This community, especially, owes him a continuing debt of gratitude.