Michael's tender and tormented heart unexpectedly stopped beating on September 20, 2018 (two days shy of his 48th birthday), in St George, Utah. He had been laughing and crying right up to the last few minutes of his sojourn here in mortality. He suffered greatly and he served heroically; always there to listen, learn, and lift the burdens of others. He knew firsthand what it felt like to be abandoned, alone, and left without a rudder, blowing in the breeze of uncertainty and despair. That deep ‘knowing' gave him understanding, compassion, and empathy for other fellow stumbling travelers. As an elementary school teacher, he touched the lives and hearts of students and parents alike. Many continued, through the years to profusely thank him for the positive impact he had on their children. He brought that deep emotion to the music he wrote and performed, as well as his poignant photography. Michael also had a passion for cooking.
Michael was blessed to have two deep loves in his life, Lisa Hellett Burton and Charles Michael Parkin, and was a stay-at-home dad during the first few critical years of his sons' lives. To him, they were his crowning accomplishment and his love for them knew no bounds. Tragically Michael struggled with severe depression, which led him to depend on alcohol for relief. When his own coping skills let him down, this drug numbed him and gave him temporary respite. When his first love ended in divorce, and his second beloved spouse passed away suddenly in July, the loss was too great, and Michael was unable to process and move forward in this life.
His wry sense of humor, along with his caring and compassionate soul will leave a deep wound and hole in our hearts. There are no words to express how much we will miss his presence. Michael, you are a courageous warrior who will continue to fight for the oppressed and marginalized in society. This will be carried on from you through your mother. You are now lovingly embraced in the waiting arms of your dear husband, and other family members who have gone before. Thank you for the rare gift you have given to all of us…..YOU!
Michael is survived by his two sons: Mitchell Daniel Burton and Ethan Michael Burton, his parents: Thomas Mark Burton, and Christine Carol Robinson Burton, a sister: Christine Michelle Burton Carroll, brothers: Mark Preston Burton, Matthew Thomas Burton; uncles: Bruce Hinckley Robinson, Hartrich Lyons, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents: Marcus Hyrum Burton and Helen Cowan Burton, and maternal grandparents: Oliver Preston Robinson and Christine Hinckley Robinson.
The family will begin to gather on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 1pm for a memorial service to begin at 2pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
