Lawrence F "Larry" Burd

Lawrence "Larry"Fougeron Burd
It is with great sadness that the family of Lawrence "Larry" Fougeron Burd, of Pendleton, Oregon, announces his passing on February 24, 2025 after falling on ice. He was born on December 4,1934 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Alta Fougeron Burd and Clarence Burd. He was a proud resident of Ashland, Nebraska, where his family owned a farm. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1952. He was part of his school's football, basketball, and track and field team, and received many awards.
Larry enlisted in the Navy from 1954 to 1956. He worked as an electrician on a cargo ship traveling back and forth to Japan. In 1956, he met and married Alvena "Vena" Patterson from Portland, Oregon, and 3 daughters-Debora, Linda, and Julie- were born. The family settled in Pendleton, Oregon where Larry started an electric motor business and dedicated himself to the business and his customers. He became involved with the Jaycees organization and became the president of the chapter. Because of his leadership skills, he was able to bring the OSAA 2A basketball tournament to Pendleton to help the community grow.
Larry expanded his business career as the owner of Columbia Pump Irrigation and Larry Burd Well Drilling (1972-2009), and was well known as a dedicated business man in the community. He became president of Oregon Ground Water Association twice and was a member of the Oregon Drilling Association. Larry was also a pilot and frequently flew his Cessna airplane to drilling sites. Locally, Larry was also involved in the Eagles and Elks.
After a divorce, Larry married Rolinda Morrison Dennis in 1977 and helped raise stepsons Greg and Scott. His favorite football team was the University of Nebraska Huskers and every Saturday during football season Larry could be found watching the game.
At the age of 75, Larry retired from the drilling business and passed the business on to Garry Zollman, his close friend. During retirement Larry got the opportunity to go to China as a consultant in water well drilling. He enjoyed seeing the cultural differences. Larry also began purchasing and remodeling rental homes in Pendleton. He always searched for new projects to do and loved what he could do with his tools. He was the one to call for advice when something in your house stopped working. He stayed busy and said "when the work is done, I am done". But until now, he never stopped working. Turning 90 was one of his greatest joys. We will miss his dedication, his common sense, talent, and his sense of humor.
Well done, Larry Burd!
Larry was preceded in death by his parents Clarence Burd and Alta Fougeron Burd Deuser, his sister Bobbie Wilson, foster brother Frank Collins, and granddaughter Leah Chelsky. He is survived by his wife Rolinda Burd, sister Joy Thoms, children Debora Burd and Ed Cox, Linda and Ron Chelsky, Julie Burd and Greg Lewis, stepsons Greg Dennis and Scott and Holly Dennis, his grandchildren Zachary and Crisian Chelsky, Anna Chelsky and Michael Vincent, Jessica Chelsky, Katie Lewis, McKenzie Lewis, Austin and Angela Dennis, and Destinee Dennis, and great-grandchildren Marlon Vincent and Milo Dennis.
Larry's celebration of life will be held on February 28th at 1pm at the Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, followed by a social gathering at the Eagles.
Donations in memory of Larry Burd can be made to Pendleton Round Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame, PO Box 609, Pendleton OR 97801.