Originally Published IVD Technology September 2001
Editor's Page
The Business of Saving Lives
Medical device
manufacturers are accustomed to the business of saving lives. Mostly unsung,
the leaders of device companies quietly go about the task of creating products
that every day help to protect and save people.
One such leader was Thomas E. Burnett Jr., senior vice president and chief operating officer of Thoratec Corp. (Pleasanton, CA), a manufacturer of ventricular-assist devices. Burnett was among the many thousands who perished in the terrorist attacks that rocked the United States on September 11.
Burnett was aboard San Francisco-bound United Airlines flight 93 when it crashed in the countryside outside Pittsburgh. He had been in New Jersey for business meetings at Thoratec's IVD subsidiary, International Technidyne Corp. (Edison, NJ), and reportedly switched to the flight in order to return home earlier.
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| Thomas E. Burnett Jr. |
According to press reports, Burnett was among several passengers who played a key role in preventing the hijackers of flight 93 from carrying out their destructive goal. He made several calls to his wife, Deena, a former flight attendant, and learned from her about the attacks on New York City's World Trade Center, which had already occurred. In his last call, Burnett said that he and several other passengers had decided to take action against the hijackers.
"I don't know for sure what happened in those dark moments high over Pennsylvania, but I know we will find out," said D. Keith Grossman, Thoratec's president and chief executive officer. "And, I don't doubt for a moment that Tom was not only involved, but led the effort. It doesn't surprise me in the least. I would expect Tom to die just as he lived, with honor, principle, and dignity."
Burnett is survived by his wife and three young daughters. Donations to a memorial fund for the family can be made payable to The Thomas E. Burnett Jr. Family Memorial Fund, c/o CIBC Oppenheimer Corp., Account no. 074–17387–10, 580 California St., Ste. 2300, San Francisco, CA 94104. For more information about the fund, contact Kelly Trevethan at 415/438-2926.
In the months and years ahead, the nations of the world may face many dark days and tough decisions. Let us hope that we and our leaders will do justice to the memory of Tom Burnett's leadership and concern for saving lives.
Copyright ©2001 IVD Technology
