Dr. Laurence John Burns age 77, of Grand Rapids, beloved father and husband, passed away Monday, August 19, 2019 with his family at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents Michael Louis and Florence Burns; brothers, Gerry and John Burns; and his son Thomas Joseph Burns. He is survived by his wife Marion Dougherty Burns, his children Brian Burns, Laura (Ned) Gaffney, Bridget (Dan) Tietema, Megan (Darren) Ward, Sean (Kristie) Burns, and Michael Burns; 14 grandchildren; his siblings Bill (Pam) Burns, Don (Maureen) Burns, Joe (Pat) Burns, Matt (Judy) Burns, Mary Lou (Joel) Black, Julie (Mike) Devereaux, Rosalyn (John) Horrigan, Luann (Bob) Potts, and sister-in-law Jeanne; many nieces and nephews. Larry was born and raised in Carson City, MI on a farm with his 10 siblings and both sets of grandparents and other family nearby. He grew up with a strong Catholic faith and a love and appreciation for his Irish heritage, horses and baking. He attended Aquinas College and then went on to Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery for his medical degree. His internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology was completed at Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, followed by an Endocrinology fellowship at Beaumont Hospital in Detroit, MI. He practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology for 42 years, 37 of those were through Mercy Health St. Mary’s. When he saw the need, he helped to found Clinica Santa Maria, a health care clinic for Spanish-speaking patients, and was the first Ob/Gyn to volunteer his time on his days off for many years. He headed the local Right to Life Chapter from 1974 through 1989 and sat on the state board of directors. He was active in the Irish Heritage Society and served as the president for a period of time. He has been a very active member of St. Stephen Parish for 45 years. He is a current board member of the Emmanuel Hospice Board, an interfaith collaboration created by St. Ann’s, Clark, Porter Hills and Sunset. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday August 23, 10:00 A.M. at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. The Visitation will be held on Thursday August 22, 2P.M.-4P.M., 6P.M. 8P.M, with a 7pm Rosary at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel; 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grand Rapids Right to Life https://www.grrtl.org/donate/ or St. Stephen Church and School https://www.ststephenparish.com/donate
19 Responses
Larry was an incredible human being, an outstanding professional, a good friend, dedicated father with a very humble and humorous character. He will be missed every day but will be remembered as a standard of excellence !
My sympathies to you all. I worked with Dr Burns in OB at St Mary’s, and he was my personal OB for years. He was a wonderful man! I have admired him for all the years I knew him. May God bless you as you grieve, and may his work be carried on!! June Preisner RN.
I worked for Dr Burns at 44th St Doctors in the 70’s. I always found him to be a kind and compassionate doctor. I am a better person to have known him and a lucky person to have called him friend. You will be missed by many.
My deepest sympathy to the Burns Family. Dr. Burns was my doctor back in the late 70’s to early 80’s . Dr.Burns delivered my children and was a very caring physician. He will be sadly missed.
May your heart find peace during this difficult time.
Dr. Burns was a kind, compassionate man. He delivered our first born son, who is now 23, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was so very wise & I knew I was in good hands in his care. I am sad for his family upon the great loss of their husband, father and grandfather. I am praying for God to give each of you peace and strength at this time.
I worked in the OR with Dr. Burns and was also a past patient. Wonderful, kind man. May perpetual light shine upon him always. God bless you as you grieve.
Larry was a wonderful brother-in-law who had a loving way of making one feel special. He will be missed on so many levels. My love and prayers are with his family and my dear sister Marion.
I worked with Dr. Burns in surgery at St. Marys. He was an awesome surgeon and a great man.Rest in peace.
I really enjoyed training under Drs. Burns and Murphy. Vaya con Dios, Larry Burns.
So very sorry to hear this. I used to work with Dr. Burns at 44th St. Doctors in the 70’s. Dr. Burns had a great sense of humor. I will never forget him. Rest in Peace, Doc.
Dr Burns was my personal physician for my second pregnancy. I always admired and respected him. I worked as a nurse in OB at GROH and all the nurses told me when I started to work there that he was their favorite. That was 1980. So glad to of had the privilege of knowing him.
Always a kind gentleman
Well Done Good and Faithful Servant!!
These are words that describe Larry’s service to his family and others.
A contribution in Larry’s honor will be sent to Right to Life of Grand Rapids.
Doctor Burns will be missed!! He was a wonderful physician and a very gentle spirit. How could you not smile when remembering Dr. Burns? I pray for peace for his family and hope they know how much his patients and staff loved him.
What a wonderful kind ,sweet man as well as a wonderful Doctor I loved working with him at the old Metro. He cared for all his patients equally. He was a big part of my love of OB. He will be missed but the memories live on
Dr. Larry Burns was a wonderful man, friend and neighbor. May he Rest In Peace . Love and prayers go out to his family❤️❤️❤️Sara Smolenski
It was a pleasure to work with Dr. Burns. He was a good man with integrity, a kind heart, and quiet sense of humor. He made correct decisions concerning the care of his patients. He will be dearly missed.
I just found out Dr. Burns died last august. Im deeply sorry. He delivered my 2 girls. I always love how kind he was. A great gentleman. He is with the Lord for he love God.