Reverend Larry Burroughs
Resident of San Jose
May 27, 1948 - April 23, 2010

The Reverend Larry Summers Burroughs passed away suddenly on Friday, April 23, at the age of 61. He touched and enriched thousands of lives in the Santa Clara Valley, and his loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him. He left a legacy of loving God, his family, and his community.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Christine, his sons John and Josh, his daughter Julie and son-in-law Shane, grandchildren Justin and Brittany, sister Trudi, brother James, and several nieces and nephews.

Larry was born in Fresno, CA, to James and Ellen Burroughs. He grew up in Bakersfield, CA, and graduated from Foothill High School in 1966. He attended the University of California at Davis and graduated with a double major in German and Political Science in 1970. He earned his Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1978.

He was ordained as a Presbyterian Minister in 1981, and was subsequently called to serve in 4 local congregations - First Presbyterian Church of Santa Clara, West Valley Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church of San Jose, and Church of the Chimes.

Larry devoted his life to Christian ministry, preaching the word of the Lord and spreading the love of Christ to everyone he met. He led and inspired programs in youth ministry, mission outreach, leadership training, and spiritual development. In recent years, he had become devoted to small group ministries, including men's groups, women's groups, couples and singles groups, Stephen's Ministry, and outreach to seniors.

He was a talented musician, and engaged people in worship using these gifts. He played the guitar, harmonica, ukulele, and even the banjo.

He had a passion for toy trains, classic Tonka trucks, puppets, and model planes and cars. He loved all things Disney, and counted Fred Rogers a personal hero and role model. He enjoyed visiting Disneyland and Pismo Beach with his family, and going to San Jose Giants and Sharks games with his sons. One of his favorite events was attending the annual Watsonville Fly-In and Airshow.

Larry was active in many community service programs in the Santa Clara Valley. He was a proud member of the San Jose Kiwanis Club for more than 11 years, and was honored in 2004 and 2005 for his leadership work. He also enjoyed supporting his wife's community leadership activities, including outreach to the homeless at InnVision, and supporting the arts at Children's Musical Theater.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 1st, at 10:30 a.m. at West Valley Presbyterian Church, 6191 Bollinger Rd, Cupertino.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in his name to InnVision, 974 Willow Street, San Jose, (408) 292-4286, www.innvision.org.

Notice published in the San Jose Mercury News, 05.01.2010