Obituary of Robert Allan Burton

Robert Allan Burton (1934-2023) It is with sadness in our hearts, but the joy and peace of knowing that we will be together again, that we said goodbye to: a Husband, a Father, a Poppa, an Uncle, a Brother, and Friend to many. On Friday October 6 at 10:20am in the comfort of his home, Robert (Bob) Burton went home to be with his Lord at the age of 89. He is at peace and touching the face of Jesus. For just over a year Bob lived courageously and without complaint with cancer, choosing to focus only on love, kindness, and the contentment of a life he continued to live well. This was how he lived his entire life. Those who knew him have been blessed to have shared so many wonderful and love-filled years with him. And we will miss him dearly. Married to Elaine in the Spring of 1959 (married 64 years), Bob was blessed with a beautiful family that he loved unconditionally and endlessly, cherishing every moment together. Over these many years he created a storybook of memories with each of us who are left behind: His eternal loving wife and constant companion, Elaine… Son Ken and his wife Stephanie, Poppa to grandchildren Alicia (Owen), Sarah (David), and Lynnea (Paul), and great grandchildren Jordan and Zachary, Kailey and Natalie, and two more on the way… Daughter Joanne and husband Andrew, Poppa to grandchildren Liam (Gabby), and Allie (Mason)… His son Peter and wife Stephanie, Poppa to grandchildren Jake (Mikayla), Laine (James), and Ella… He is also survived by his loved sister Gloria, the last of his surviving siblings. Bob’s life was one of adventure, stability, and a spirit of living without regrets. Bob was born May 19, 1934 and raised in Toronto, the youngest of 5 children (siblings: Gus, Willa, Margaret, Gloria, Lloyd) to Eli and Bessie Burton. He would leave home to start life on his own first playing professional baseball with an affiliate of the then Milwaukee Braves (now Atlanta Braves), before returning home to pursue work as a skilled tradesman (plumber), eventually spending the majority of his working career as a Firefighter in the City of Toronto, before retiring at the age of 49 to spend 40 full years doing life with our family and many cherished friends along the way. After their marriage in 1959 Bob and Elaine built a beautiful family at homes in Toronto, Orillia, Bramalea, Barrie, Peterborough, and Cannington. Together with family they made cherished memories spending summers on the lake in the Kawarthas. As a couple they enjoyed winters in the sun of Florida. They travelled west, They travelled east. It has been a life well-lived, with no regrets. One that we can all look back on with the fondest of memories. Bob’s greatest treasure was his family. How our family loves and cares for each other is the legacy he leaves, and the reward of the life Bob and Elaine created together. It is what mattered most to Bob here on earth. Bob was selfless. He was kind to everyone. He loved unconditionally. He loved his family to the fullest. He treated everyone the way he would want to be treated, with kindness and acceptance. He showed us all what matters, and what does not. He loved his Lord and lived life faithfully by the principles of his God, and he was unwavering. His love for Elaine had no end. She was his #1, and he was hers. They will always be one, in life, and in God. We can’t wait to see him again one day when we’re back together in Glory. ~ Please join us for a Celebration of Life to remember Robert Allan Burton May 19, 1934 - October 6, 2023 Friday, November 10th at 2:00pm Cedardale Church of the Nazarene 471 Pefferlaw Road Pefferlaw, Ontario L0E 1N0 We will be gathering to share our favourite stories, memories, to laugh and cry and to remember a man who was extremely loved and who will be greatly missed. ~ Refreshments and snacks will be served.