John Burton died peacefully in his sleep at Mount St Joseph’s Nursing Home on Tuesday, March 13, 2012. He was born in 1921 in Snoqualmie Falls, WA, the first child of Jack and Ethel Cathcart Burton. He is predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Martha,
He is survived by three daughters; Leanna Fenske and her husband Tom of Washington, DC; Wendy Burton of Oakland, ME; Lisa Burton and her husband Chris Williams of Penacook, NH; as well as 7 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also, John has two sisters Mary Lynch of Portland, OR and Reva McClenny of San Antonio, TX and one brother, Paul Burton of Gig Harbor, WA.
John lived a rich and full life. He flew for Pan Am Airways for 37 years before retiring 30 years ago to Beaver Cove Maine. He began his career in aviation when air travel was a novelty. John possessedan independent spirit of adventure. He loved the outdoor experience both on the ground and in the air. He was an avid hiker, skier, snowmobiler, and swimmer. He loved his home on Moosehead Lake. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at his home in Beaver Cove for family and friends in July. For those who may remember John a fitting tribute to a man who so loved the outdoors would be to spend a few moments outside thinking fondly of him. Those who wish to may donate in memory of John to the Shaw Public Library Association, PO Box 510, Greenville, ME 04441 or the Greenville Police, Operation Sunshine Project, PO Box 1109, Greenville, ME 04441.