A. GEORGE LOUIS BURTON

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A. GEORGE LOUIS BURTON May 27, 1927 - May 30, 2008 Railroader (CN Telecommunications), Mason, Shriner, Legionnaire, Wit, Writer, Raconteur, Loyal Friend, and Hero As a boy growing up on the prairies in the then small town of Brandon, Dad, brother Al and sister Beth, with step sisters Buddy (Gladys) and Bubbles (Agnes), mother Maude and father Arthur Frederick occupied a simple two-storey wood frame, featuring an acrobatic dog named Corky. At the young age of fourteen, armed with minimal formal education, but more importantly, a steely determination, and an unshakable focus, Dad moved to Winnipeg to begin a career at the CNR delivering telegrams on his bike, but immediately set about leveraging up the ranks, step by well-earned step. As a young man, his resolve was further concentrated when Dad noticed that his best friend and fellow pigeon fancier, Bill Munn, had a sister, Patsy, and she was gorgeous. He knew a good thing when he saw it, and, doubtless, so did she. So in the interests of efficiency, to say nothing of the fact that they were crazy about each other, George's best friend became his brother-in-law on Sept. 18, 1948. Now living in Winnipeg with added stability, George and Pat consolidated their family with the arrival of two children, Patrick James and Colleen Frances. Dad's goal-oriented determination pushed him through various courses and into management. Consequently, our family moved from the suburban paradise of Fort Garry, Wpg, to the (literally) greener pastures of Dauphin, MB. Happy to be back in rural Manitoba, George and Pat quickly embraced life in Dauphin, and Mom instantly won a number of curling trophies. Here they developed many deep and long-lasting relationships, notably with Phil and Doug Johnston and Bob and Mavis Robinson. Despite the fact that his position as Outside Plant Manager required lengthy trips away, covering an area from Churchill, MB to Melville, SK, Dad enjoyed an active and rewarding social life. He was a Mason (Acacia Lodge), a Legion member, a Lion, and began what was to become a life-long association with that merry group of like-minded beneficent gentlemen, the Shriners (the Oriental Band Unit ). But you don't live in Dauphin without developing a permanent fondness for all things Ukrainian: the festival and the people. And so it was with great happiness and a sense of universal harmony when Dad saw his daughter marry one (Larry Ochocki) years later in Sherwood Park AB. After 13 years in Dauphin, Dad received a final transfer to Edmonton settling in Sherwood Park, which carried something of the bucolic sense of small-town life. Mom was always the primary social mixer, yet, after his retirement from the CN, Dad began his own campaign of fun. With his Shriner and Old Bastard friends, Chick, Ken and others, he undertook a number of wacky projects (the Burton Tours ) and has the guest ribbons from Legions across the west to prove it. Dad also wrote a number of Leacockian letters to the editor and humorous articles, including The Canada Goose Party and The Battle of Khandahar, Sask. that continue to amuse his buddies to this day, particularly the Spies at the Norwood Legion, Edmtn. During his tenure as Recorder with the Al-Shamal Temple in Edmontno, Dad earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues, and was widely known for his dependability and administrative skills. His most cherished achievement was his participation in the Legion of Honour. With Colleen, Larry and grandchildren Ryan and Jarret happily living a half block away and son P.J. (Ric) enjoying a teaching career in Winnipeg, Mom and Dad's lives were happy and content. Dad was a life-long animal lover, and each furry family member enjoyed his special attention, most recently, his beloved standard poodles, good old Barney and Sam. But there was a terrible cloud on the horizon. Although Dad's focus and determination kept Mom in their home, past the time others would have folded, the Alzheimer's dictated that she was finally and gently removed to the Strathcona Care Centre, where she remains. Now on his own, Dad carried on. Yet despite his own growing medical problems, he never missed helping feed and care for Mom on a daily basis over the last five and a half years. He maintained this vigil until his cancer metastasized, and he was admitted to Cross Cancer Institute, then to Strathcona Care Centre, reuniting him with Mom. He had a huge heart. He wore himself out for love. He was a Hero. Nighty-night, Dad, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Service: Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. St. Thomas Anglican Church, 4A Raven Drive Sherwood Park, AB. Reception: 3:00 p.m. Glenwood Funeral Home, 52356 Range Road 232 Sherwood Park AB In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA, or your local Shriners Club. To sign the book of condolences, visit www.glenwoodmemorial.com Glenwood Funeral Home Sherwood Park, Alberta 780-467-3337.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 07, 2008