From the Editor's Desk

By Gary Nakamura
National Director Communications
  

Remembering a Friend
There are times in our lives when mere words cannot express our thoughts or feelings.  This is one of those times.  At the end of May, Calgary North’s President, Larry Burney died in a tragic car accident.  With his passing, Calgary North and the Canadian Progress Club lost a member who was tireless in his desires and efforts to the causes we support.  Although he was in Progress for only a short time, his desire to contribute and participate was unwavering and he gave freely of himself and his time to ensure that our events and efforts were successful.

Larry said many times that the Canadian Progress Club was one of the best things to happen to him in his life and that Progress was the best service club that he ever belonged to.  Truth be told, it was the only service organization he had ever belonged to, but he embraced totally, the philosophies and causes that we support. To know that through efforts of the club, its members and himself that someone’s life might be improved or made just a little easier was cause enough.  He genuinely loved helping people and what Progress stood for.

Larry was more than just a fellow Progressian, he was a friend, a colleague, a confidant, a co-conspirator, but most of all, he was there.  As a friend, he embraced you and brought/dragged you into his universe.  His is a large legacy that included a passion for life, love for his family, unceasing charitable work, love of sports (especially golf), a keen sense of humour, and an undeniable talent for storytelling.  With his loss, a family has lost a leader, friends have lost a companion and Calgary has lost a champion.  We will miss you Larry.  Forever in our hearts you will be.

In December of 2005, Larry volunteered at the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and Area’s Christmas party.  It was there that Larry met a young boy who made an incredible impression on him.  Only days before his accident, Larry met with BBBS and the boy’s mother to see if or how he and possibly Calgary North could assist with the boy’s medical needs.  In memory of Larry and his desire to help, the Larry Burney Memorial Fund has been established to help achieve that dream.

Donations can be made to “the Larry Burney Memorial Fund” c/o of Calgary North, #204, 222 - 16 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 1J8.