 Chagrin Valley Community and Industry Leader Dies
Chagrin Falls, Ohio - Lawrence “Bo” Burr, 63, died April 28 after a seven month battle with cancer. Mr. Burr was widely known in the area for his generosity, community service and for his leadership in the steel industry.
As a longtime member of The Federated Church, Mr. Burr served as Building Committee Chair for 6 years overseeing the renovation of 76 Bell St., as well as the acquisition of land and construction of the Federated Family Life Center on SR 306. During his tenure on the Committee $7.5 million was raised for the two projects. Mr. Burr was a member of the Senior Minister Search Committee, advisor for the junior high school youth program, member of the Central Council, past chair of the Church Trustees, member of the Legacy Committee and sang for 10 years with The Ensemble. He was also a founding member of The Circle of Hope (COH), a musical outreach ministry serving the Chagrin area.
COH Director Anne Murphy said that the outreach ministry would not exist without Mr. Burr’s involvement. “He was the great encourager, helping those who are struggling to get out of their unhappiness and see a brighter world around them. Often Bo would sing his signature song, ‘What a Wonderful World’, in full Louis Armstrong character. When he did, he sang right to the person’s heart and they knew he was there for them. Simply stated, he was life giving and a free spirit,” she said.
In 1994 Mr. Burr in cooperation with the Chagrin Falls Historical Society founded the Forest Citys Vintage Base Ball Team. In 1996 Mr. Burr was one of 13 delegates representing 13 teams in five states to form the Vintage Base Ball Association, on the 150th anniversary of the first baseball match between organized teams. Today hundreds of teams nationwide play the game according to the rules of 1856 and enjoy historical reenactments of the antebellum era.
Mr. Burr was a member of the Chagrin River Land Conservancy (now the Western Reserve Land Conservancy), Geauga County Blue Coats, Aurora Golf & Country Club and the Holden Arboretum. He had also served on the board at The Fairmount Center for the Arts.
“In each endeavor he undertook, Bo brought his unique sense of humor, his generosity and love of people. He had a heart filled with joy and had the power to light up a room with his sense of humor and love. This congregation and this community and everyone whose life he touched knew of his wonderful works, and even more, appreciated his warmth and genuine love of us all. His presence will be greatly missed,” commented Hamilton Throckmorton, Senior Pastor of The Federated Church.
As President and CEO of Atlas Steel Products Company, Twinsburg, OH, Mr. Burr oversaw the growth of his firm from $9 million in sales in 1983 to over $100 million currently. Atlas Steel products are used in more than 60 countries in applications ranging from appliances, outdoor grilles and agriculture to electronic components. His steel industry association includes membership in the Metal Service Center Institute, past chairman of the Specialty Steel Council, past president of the Northeast Ohio Chapter, past member of the Governmental Affairs Committee and National Board of Directors. He was a member of the Precision Metalforming Association, ASM International, FMA International, WINOC, Japan American Society of Pittsburgh and Leadership Cleveland Class of 1988. He also participated in several American Metal Market panel discussions about industry issues and opportunities.
Reflecting on the views of Atlas Steel associates, Atlas Vice President Joanne Meredith commented how unique Mr. Burr was as a President and CEO. “He was a joy to work with. He believed strongly in people and encouraged them to accomplish things they themselves did not think possible. He was coach and guide and just one of us. The fact is he made a huge difference in the lives of the people he worked with and it is impossible to state how much he will be missed. We are determined to continue making this company a success for Bo,” she said.
He was known within his company and among Atlas’ customers and suppliers as a ‘can do’ leader who empowered associates (Atlas terminology for employees) and supported their efforts. Mr. Burr frequently commented that his job was simple – to help provide the resources for associates to do what was best for customers and for the company. He described the team of Atlas associates as “an empowered workforce unequaled in our industry.”
Mr. Burr was a graduate of Rutgers University and earned his MBA from American Graduate School of International Management, Glendale, AZ. He also earned a Graduate Studies Diploma from Stockholm University in Sweden. He was fluent in Swedish and several other languages once commenting to a friend, “people speak different languages… it would be good to know them all!”
He served as a U.S. Air Force pilot and saw combat service in Vietnam from 1967-1968. He was awarded five Air Medals for Special Operations support of the U.S. Army Special Forces, and served in the Southern Command from 1969-1972, earning the Air Force Commendation Medal for Humanitarian Relief for service following the Peruvian earthquake in 1970.
Prior to joining Alas Steel Products in 1976, Mr. Burr was a reporter for the Arizona Republic newspaper in Phoenix. He continued writing throughout his career and was published in numerous trade publications.
He enjoyed golf, Nordic and Alpine skiing, backpacking, rock climbing, biking, kayaking, reading, singing and numerous volunteer activities.
He is survived by his wife Anne, son Scott and daughter Corinne, his mother, Josephine Burr Feagans of Petersburg, VA, his brothers Ralph Burr of Chagrin Falls and Richard Burr of San Diego, CA, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Ralph Regis Burr.
Donations may be made to The Legacy Fund, The Federated Church, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022.
A memorial service will be held at The Federated Church on Saturday, May 10 at 3 p.m. |
