In Memory of Raymond Andrew Burns

Raymond A. Burns "Ray" died on May 24, 2016 in Idaho Falls, ID. He was 84 years old. Raymond was the founder and owner of Gem State Rentals for 40 years. He loved working in the community and serving his neighbors. He was active in the American Rental Association (ARA) for 58 years where he served as President. He was also President of the American Rental Dealer Insurance or ARDI. Laird Burns, Raymond's son, is a former CRA Board Member.

Raymond was born on September 8, 1931 in Idaho Falls, ID. He was the fifth child of Wallace C. Burns and Inez M. Burns, both of Idaho Falls. Raymond was a life-long resident of Idaho Falls. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School. He earned his bachelor degree in business and finance from Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID. He joined the Army in 1954 while attending school. Raymond met and married Mary Kathryn Hardy of Pocatello, ID. Shortly following graduation, He was assigned, by the Army, to move to Fort Ord, CA. Raymond completed his army commitment in January of 1956 and moved to Seattle, WA where he began a Masters program at the University of Washington. Raymond and Kathryn had their first child in Seattle. It wasn’t long after that that they chose to move back to Idaho Falls where they had 3 more children. 

Following the death of Kathryn, Raymond’s first wife, he met and married Mary Ann Doleman in Los Angeles, CA in 1995. Mary Ann has been a loving wife and companion to Raymond and together they have traveled the world and have experienced much happiness.

Community organizations Raymond has been a member of include: The Masons for 63 years, Shriners for 35 years, The Chamber of Commerce, The Elks Club and Kiwanis. Raymond volunteered as a driver for Veterans who needed transportation to and from the VA hospital in Salt Lake City. Raymond was an active member of the St. Paul’s Methodist Church.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Doleman Burns, of Idaho Falls; his four children Kathy Burns (Neale Wooters) of Texas, Laird Burns (Diane) of Florida, Robert Burns (Mariko) of New Jersey and Teresa Burns (James Otteson) of Utah; and his brother William C. Burns, of Boise. Raymond has 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents; W.C. Burns and Inez M. Burns, and his wife Kathryn Burns; brothers Owen Burns and Wallace Burns; and his sister Betty Mae (Terrie) Jacobson.