Celebrating the road well travelled: a tribute to Don Burton

Donald Malcolm Burton, a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away surrounded by those dearest to him on Sunday 6 July, 2025, at the age of 84.

In a life like no other, Don travelled the world, had many jobs, and enriched the lives of everyone he crossed paths with along the way.

Born in Birmingham to Frederick and Mavis Burton, he grew up alongside his older brother Fred, and his younger siblings Jill, Pam and Richard. As a teenager he developed his need to explore when he joined The Merchant Navy and started traveling the world.

Upon returning to the UK, Don graced numerous towns with his spirit, enthusiasm and insatiable will to work. He owned a fish & chip shop in Birmingham, he was a delivery driver for Cadbury’s, and he was a security guard at the BBC.

Father to Christopher and Jonathan, life was sometimes complicated for Donald, but his love for his family, and Birmingham City Football Club, never wavered.

Don found his speciality once he entered the hotel trade; a profession which satisfied his itchy feet, and allowed him to always find work in whichever corner of the country he wanted to hang his hat next. He bounced around from Birmingham to Oxford to
Devon to Cornwall and Teesside.

He perhaps found his truest calling when he became a grandfather, doting on his grandchildren Kerri and Jamie. He’d repeat his favourite stories to make them laugh, gift them obscure items, and would regularly travel hundreds of miles just to be with
them and Chris.

Don enjoyed family trips to his caravan in Cornwall, but not long after ventured out a little further for almost annual trips to Australia. His family have kept his dozens of postcards sent to them as he talked about the heat, the people and the cricket he
witnessed Down Under.

After some joyous years spent near family in Saltburn, he ventured down for his final adventure in Torquay, where he spent his final 15 years.

His swansong in Devon helped Don explore his favourite parts of the county, which included going to watch his great nephew Henry play rugby for Plymouth Albion.

Don joked and laughed every day of his life until the very end, and he proudly did it his way. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

That’ll do, bab.