Richard Larkin Burns

Born in Pasadena, California, on June 6, 1939, to William Lawrence Burns and Marjorie Patricia (Kinsella) Burns, Richard lived a full life, marked by service, resilience, and a love of people.

A native Californian, Richard attended Pasadena High School and Pasadena City College, majoring in pre-engineering. In 1956, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and was later called to active duty for two years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (“The Bonnie Dick”), where he served as a shipfitter and welder. His service took him across the Pacific, with calls at ports in Japan, China, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged in 1962.

Following his military service, Richard began a successful career in production control and manufacturing management. He worked with Cooke Laboratory Products, FMC Corporation in Brea, and later Northrop Corporation in Hawthorne, rising to roles such as Senior Production Scheduler and Resource Planning Analyst. He was recognized for his ability to streamline operations, reduce costs, and deliver on-time results.

Richard married Iris M. Wilson in 1966. Together they had two children of whom he often bragged about - son Mark Edward Burns (Lesley) and daughter Dianne Marie Lora (Phil).

Beyond his career, Richard was known for his curiosity, warmth, and interest in people. One of his greatest passions was attending criminal court trials, where he not only followed high-profile cases — including the O.J. Simpson trial and the William Lister Suff case — but also built lasting friendships with fellow “court watchers.” His genuine interest in others turned this hobby into a rich community of close friends who shared his dedication to understanding justice and the human stories behind it.

Richard also delighted in collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, amassing everything from bottles and playing cards to clocks, pillows, and even a three-piece bistro set. His home was a reflection of his eclectic interests and love of detail.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jim. A private family ceremony celebrating his life will be held at a later date.

Richard will be remembered for his humor and ability to form lasting friendships wherever he went. His family and friends take comfort in knowing he is reunited with loved ones.