September 30, 1936 - April 8, 2022
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the sudden passing of Len Burton on April 8th, 2022 at the age of 85, in Vernon BC. Len was born in Sudbury, Ontario and was one of 15 children. Coming from a large family and living in a 3 bedroom home, one of Len's famous sayings was "first up, best dressed." Len met his life partner and best friend, Murielle, 62 years ago in Sudbury. He will be lovingly remembered by his 5 outstanding children; Steve (Betty) Burton, Darlene (Don) Joudrey, Perry (Sherylee Millar) Burton, Bill (Lesley Benham) Burton, & Len (Lisa) Burton, his grandchildren; Selena, Darcy, Jeffrey, Hayden, Ben, Megan & Oliver, his great-grandchildren along with innumerable extended and cherished family members and friends here in Vernon and in his home province of Ontario. He was predeceased by his parents, Aimable Burton and Floria Langevin and by his grandson, Jordan.
The Burton family came to the sunny Okanagan for a holiday in 1979, making their first stop at the Kal Lake Lookout and immediately decided to call this captivating town of Vernon their home. Len was unquestionably a 'legend' in the sales industry. Selling everything from Fuller Brush products to life insurance, but his true passion was selling vehicles. Len had a long career as a car salesman both in Ontario and here in Vernon. Working for Tri-Lake, Vernon Motor Products, Bannisters, Sunshine Honda, Mike Rosman RV, and Penner Motors. Len served hundreds of loyal customers over the years and won countless awards in the industry. His motto, "You Can Be Certain if it's Burton" was adorned on many newspaper ads over the years.
Len enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening...anything outdoors. This charming, witty, character was always thirsty for knowledge. He thrived on learning everyday and soaking in new technology - creating his very first Instagram post on the morning before he passed. But the most important and precious part of Len's world was his adoring wife, Murielle and his family. He was exceedingly proud of his children and grandchildren. There is a profound hole in all of our hearts with the passing of this treasured gentleman.
A private family service was held at Bethel Funeral Chapel on Monday, April 25th, 2022. Memorial donations in Len's name can be made to the SPCA or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC.
Funeral arrangements have been made with BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD., 5605 27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z (250) 542-1187.