Obituary of Delmer Alton Burton
The family of Mr. Delmer Alton Burton of Sussex is saddened to announce that he passed away at the Sussex Health Centre on February 12, 2014 at the age of 87. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Del Burton was born in Moorehead, Quebec on August 14, 1926; he was the son of the late Thomas and Harriett (Baird) Burton.
As the youngest son of 13 children, during the depression, times were tough - yet these were some of his fondest memories. He held his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews close to his heart all his life.
Del served in the Canadian Army during WWII along with three of his brothers. This was the beginning of a lifetime of service to his country and community. He was a charter member of the Sussex Rotary Club, a volunteer fireman, a member and past-President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Sussex Branch #20, a former Councillor and Mayor of Sussex, and was honoured by having a Park named in his honour ("Burton Park").
Del was passionate about his work both as a former owner of Summit Electric and during his employment at the potash mine. He earned the respect of fellow workers throughout his career. He was a teacher and a mentor, both at work and within his family.
Del loved to tell the story of how he met the beautiful red head - the mother of his children, Rose.
During their 67 years of marriage there were hard times, good times and, with 5 kids, crazy times. He was proud of Rose and thought she was a great cook and a wonderful mother. Rose always knew she married "a handsome hard-working smart man"
Del and Rose worked hard together on many projects, especially "The Camp at the Lake".
Del taught his children to work hard, be kind and look after each other. His children all remember his infamous look - it required no words! They knew they better do what they knew was expected. He loved seeing them all together and listening to the giggles and laughter of his children and grandchildren. The softest spot in Del's heart was reserved for his grandchildren.
Most of all, Del enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved to tell stories about his past; he gave stage-worthy recitals of The Cremation of Sam McGee. He took great pleasure in going for drives and pointing out all the landmarks and places that he had been involved with. He also LOVED his sweets and ice-cream...and then more ice-cream!
The legacy Del leaves, is that of a strong work ethic, a great love for family and kindness to all. You would often hear him say "If you can't say anything good about someone, don't say anything"
Del will continue to live on in the hearts of his beloved wife Rose; his four daughters: Sharon Rushton and her husband Bill of Smith Creek, Colleen Murphy and her husband Bill of Sussex, Judy Paulson and her husband Al of Bedford, NS, and Kathy Rushton-Manklow and her husband Ron of Mississauga; his son, Andrew Burton and his wife Linda of Sussex; nine grandchildren: Kelly Coughlan (Brad) of Millbrook, Carman Rushton (Sue Brown) of Norton, Sean Murphy (Leslie Weightman) of Nepean, Heather Richter (Michael) of Regina, Ian Paulson (Angie Lane) of Whitehorse, Heather Richardson (Dan) of Mississauga, Carrie Rushton (Jay LeClour) of Mississauga, Jacob Burton of Sussex, and Hollie Burton (John Walton) of Grand Cache; six great-grandchildren: Cade, Kathryn, Tyler, Chole, Kyle and Madeline; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Del is predeceased by his sisters: Mable, Violet, Jewel, Erma, Daisy, Carol and Opal; and five brothers: Selwyn, Dalton, Allan, Arthur and Kenny.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506) 433-1176, where a private family service celebrating Del's life was held.
If you are considering making a memorial donation, please feel free to donate to one of your choice.
www.wallacefuneralhome.com