Obituary of Thomas Wade Burton

Thomas was born on November 19, 1958 in Pouce Coupe, B.C He passed away on July 20, 2010 in Dawson Creek, B.C. at the age of 51 years. We remember Tommy for many wonderful reasons. He was a man of the land. He loved his farm, he loved hunting and fishing and the fruits the land would bear for him and his friends and family. A visit to his home shows how productive he was. Tommy was a man of generosity to those he knew - family and friends - and even to strangers who he didn't know. He was a proud man, Proud of his accomplishments and very proud of his family. Tommy had a reputation for honesty and speaking straight up, for being sometimes blunt and direct with people. He was not afraid to say things that the rest of us were thinking and didn't want to say. He wasn't one to be politically correct. You always knew where you stood with Tom. Tommy had a reputation for pushing the limits and living on the edge. It was never a good idea to dare him on anything because he would take you up on your dare. When Tommy decided he wanted to do something he went at it full bore with focus and determination, some would say stubbornness. His accomplishments show that. But we admired his determination and wish we had the same single-mindedness. He was proud of his farm and his family. Not just what he had today but where he had come from. When Tom learned he had cancer he fought it with his usual determination and stubbornness right to the end. Tyler was telling me that when he was heading down to the hospital he said "I just need some rest and I'll be fine." That was so typical of Tom. Tommy was predeceased by his father Bill Burton and by his brother Greg and his sister Katherine. Tom leaves behind his wife Anne, son David, mother Kathleen, brothers Wayne, Brent, Tyler and many extended family members. Eulogy by brother-in-law John McKendrick A memorial service was held on Friday, July 23, 2010, at 3:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel, Pastor Gary Henderson officiated, interment followed in the Peace View Cemetery in Shearerdale, B.C. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Tom to the Cancer Care Unit at the Dawson Creek & District Hospital.