Larry Burgess

Larry L. Burgess, former 90th District Court Magistrate died Wednesday October 10 2018 at the age of 77.   Larry was born August 8,1941 in Alabama where he lived until his family moved to Detroit where he graduated from Cass Technical High School in the printing curriculum.  After high school, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force where he was stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda and served as a staff meteorologist in Greenland for a year.

Following the service, he received his B.A. (1968) and M.A. (1969) in English literature from the University of Michigan.  Upon graduation from U-M he was Director of Education at University Center in Ann Arbor for two years before studying law at University of Detroit Law School where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1975.

He was a lawyer in private practice for eight years during which time he also served as mayor of the Village of Dexter, Michigan before becoming an assistant prosecuting attorney for Washtenaw County in 1983.  A soft spoken lawyer, he was known as an effective, dedicated and tenacious prosecutor with a reputation as a formidable figure in the courtroom.

After moving to Charlevoix in 1995, he served as Chief Assistant Prosecutor for Charlevoix County and later Magistrate for 90th District Court.  He was also an adjunct professor at North Central Michigan College.

Larry was an avid reader, a connoisseur of fine wine and a knowledgeable birder.  His reading served him well during two different stints in Charlevoix bookstores, Bridge Street Books and Round Lake Bookstore, where his knowledge of the interesting and obscure and his memory for details made him a tremendous resource for customers.

His memory for details was also put to good use when seeking out and identifying birds.  This love of our feathered friends was shared with many who learned from him to appreciate their beauty.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mary (Norwood) and Villard H. Burgess, brother Jerry Burgess  sisters Beverly Rager, Janet Burgess, and Tracy Burgess.  He is survived by his wife, Julie Claire (Prince) Burgess, brother Danny Burgess and many nieces and nephews.

At Larry’s request there will be no services.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Charlevoix Public Library  220 W. Clinton Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720 or the Charlevoix Area Humane Society 614 Beardsley Street, Boyne City, MI 49712.