By Donna M. Perry,Staff Writer

STRONG – Malcolm “Mac” Burdin was remembered Tuesday for his dedication to his community and firefighter service in Franklin County.

Burdin, 80, died peacefully Monday at a Lakeland, Fla., hospital from complications due to pneumonia, said a family member. Burdin and his wife, Elizabeth, had homes in both Florida and Strong.

The family member, Niles Yeaton of Strong, said Burdin was a “very dedicated, civic-minded person involved in a lot of issues. Over the years, he was probably involved in everything in Strong. He was a very, good man.”

Burdin served as a Strong selectman from 1990 to 1996 and from 1999 to 2002. He was a Strong firefighter for more than 47 years, serving as chief from 1970 to 1996.

“He was just a wonderful person to work with,” said Strong Deputy Treasurer Pam Kenniston said. “He’s going to be missed. … He touched so many people’s hearts in one way or another.”

Strong Treasurer Sandra Howard said Burdin hired her in 1994.

“He was happy-go-lucky,” she said. “I’ve never seen him upset. He always had a smile.”

Burdin was a very positive person, she said, and always complimented people when he thought they did a good job.

“It hasn’t really sunk in,” Howard said of the news of his death.

Strong Fire Chief Doug Timberlake said he worked with Burdin on the Fire Department. Timberlake was elected to serve as chief when Burdin retired.

“He was fantastic as a fire chief,” Timberlake said. “He was a great leader, really dedicated.”

He always made sure his department had equipment and the firefighters were trained to protect the townspeople and property.

“He was a real stickler for that,” Timberlake said. “I learned a lot from him.”

The town bought engines No.’s 72 and 73 and had a squad truck, the old converted school bus, donated. That truck has since been retired.

Farmington Deputy Fire Rescue Chief Tim Hardy noted how instrumental Burdin was in making sure firefighters throughout Franklin County received the necessary training.

Burdin had been a member and past president of the Franklin County Firefighters Association. He served as training coordinator and was a certified fire and arson investigator in the county. Burdin also helped implement the 911 emergency system in Strong.

“He was always willing to help,” Hardy said. “He went more than the extra mile, that’s for sure.”

“I will always remember Mac as someone I could rely on to balance out our thought process when I was chairman of the Board of Selectmen in Strong,” said Perry Ellsworth of Strong, who is now the Rangeley town manager. “He was a man who was dedicated to his family as well as the town. He spent countless hours as fire chief and later as a selectman, always looking out for the best interests of the community. Most of all, I will miss his friendship. He touched many lives and will be missed by all.”