M. Lester Burrows Jr. died on May 25th in Groton, after a short illness.
Born March 5, 1937 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Maurice L. Burrows Sr. and Anita B. Burrows, he grew up and lived most of his life in Mystic. He graduated from Fitch High School in 1955, received his bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut in 1959 and subsequently earned his master's degree in education, from the University of Rhode Island.
Lester was a teacher of history and government, and particularly relished his time spent teaching the Navajo in Arizona. Books and writing were a big part of his life, and his knowledge of the Oregon dory was unrivaled. He loved the beauty of nature and simple pleasures like riding his bike along the shore or admiring plants and flowers. He particularly appreciated the ocean and spoke often of fond memories aboard his boat Hilo.
He was a direct descendant of Robert Burrows, who came to America on the Arbella in 1630 and was one of the original settlers of Mystic and the first to offer ferry service across the Mystic River. Lester was proud of this heritage. He owned many boats over the years and is fondly remembered chugging up and down the river in his various craft.
Lester was devoted to his family and dedicated himself to caring for his mother in the final years of her life. Surviving are his sister, Joan B. Hill and husband Dana, of Ivoryton; brother Bruce W. Burrows and wife, Linda, of Groton Long Point, as well as his six loving nieces and nephews and their children.
A Graveside Funeral Service will be conducted at Elm Grove Cemetery, Rte. 27, Mystic on Monday, June 2nd 11am.
Memorials may be made to the Mystic & Noank Library, 40 Library St., Mystic CT 06355. To share a note of remembrance or condolence with his family, please click the link below.