A Michigan man, Larry Rubin, who played a significant role in the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, has finally been laid to rest 15 years after his death. His remains, which were left unclaimed for years, were buried in a ceremony held on Wednesday in Petoskey, Michigan, located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the iconic bridge.
The Mackinac Bridge, a remarkable 5-mile (8 km) long structure spanning the Straits of Mackinac, was inaugurated in 1957 and is recognized as the third-longest suspension bridge in the United States. Throughout his career, Rubin served as the senior staff member of the Mackinac Bridge Authority, the organization responsible for managing the bridge, a position that placed him at the forefront of its operations and decisions.
Barbara Brown, a former board member of the Mackinac Bridge Authority, highlighted Rubin's crucial role during the bridge’s construction. She stated that he “had an important role because the Authority needed someone to carry out their decisions,” noting his commitment to excellence in his work. The revelation of Rubin’s unclaimed ashes came as a surprise to many when a local funeral home announced it had several sets of unclaimed cremains, including Rubin's, who passed away at the age of 97 in 2010.
Val Meyerson, affiliated with Temple B’nai Israel in Petoskey, had knowledge of the Jewish section of Greenwood Cemetery, as Rubin's first wife, Olga, had been laid to rest there in 1990. Notably, Rubin's name had been pre-engraved on the headstone, anticipating his eventual burial alongside his wife. This detail prompted efforts to finally lay him to rest properly.
Friends and former colleagues from the Mackinac Bridge Authority assisted in funding Rubin’s burial. Around two dozen individuals attended the graveside service, which was presided over by a rabbi. Reflecting on the emotional experience, Barbara Brown remarked, “We all took turns filling in the grave, which was quite an honor. To have been neglected and forgotten for so long — it was moving.”
This poignant moment serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring those who have significantly contributed to public projects and the community. Rubin’s legacy lives on through the enduring structure of the Mackinac Bridge, a testament to his work and dedication throughout his career.
