William "Bill" Fredrick Burton

William “Bill” Fredrick Burton

11/13/1927 – 9/1/2023

 Born in Victoria, British Columbia to Joseph Bruce and Eleanor Burton, Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Gerald and Reginald.

Bill spent his youth helping support his family by working as a paperboy, at a toggery shop, and a photography store where he began his lifelong love of photography. His free time was spent adventuring in the British Columbia waterways by boat with his dear cousins and friends. While Bill desired to study architecture, he pursued a career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He married and had two daughters, Leslie and Andrea. His service took them to Germany and Austria for three years where he interviewed people wishing to immigrate to Canada. There, he acquired a love for music at the Vienna Opera House. Upon completion of his service with the RCMP, the family relocated to the United States settling in Bellevue, Washington and entering the wood products industry, a field from which he would eventually retire.

In 1974, Bill relocated to San Jose, California where he met and fell in love with Stephanie. They went on to share 47 years of wedded bliss. Their family grew with the addition of a daughter, Rachele, and a son, William Grant.  Bill’s career took him to Colorado and Southern California but he primarily called Stockton and Roseville, California home. Serving as President of Continental Door, the nation’s largest flush door manufacturing facility in Rocklin, brought him the greatest career satisfaction.

The family relocated to Bellingham, Washington in 1993, and later to Lynden, for a career opportunity to serve as general manager of SOCCO Forest Products in Sumas, Washington.  In moving back to Washington, Bill was able to spend more time with his eldest daughters and their growing families.

Bill had a zest for life, always enjoying gathering with friends, neighbors, and family for drinks or coffee, a game of cards, or talking politics. He had many passions from playing tennis, bicycle riding and skiing, which he instilled in all of his children. Ever a designer, Bill loved to create beautiful spaces. Throughout his life, he built garden sheds, gazebos, and beautifully landscaped each of his homes. Bill was a man of style and loved dressing up for any occasion.

Bill is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and children Leslie (Denny), Andrea (Lee), Rachele (Whitney), and Wm. Grant (Corina) along with 9 grandchildren - Rachael, Dennis, Michael, Minta, Billy, Lee Wm, Spencer, Amanda, and Kameko, and 20 great grandchildren.  William’s extended family includes being “Uncle Bill” to Deborah, Jennifer, Bruce, Dena, Lisa, Robert, Vicki, and Tom along with many cousins and lifelong family friends.

The Burton family invites William’s friends and family to a Celebration of Life to be held September 16^th from 12pm – 2pm at the Jansen Art Center, located at 321 Front Street in Lynden, Washington.