Burton Leland Obituary
Detroit - Burton Leland, age 69, passed away February 25, 2018. Born and raised in Detroit, Burton graduated from Mumford High School, earned a business degree at Wayne State University and a Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Michigan. He entered politics in 1980, first as a State Representative and then a State Senator, and finally as a Wayne County Commissioner, always serving residents of Northwest Detroit. As a statesman, Burton embodied what a true public servant should be. He was dedicated to improving the quality of life of the citizens for whom he cared so deeply. He developed a clean-up program that battled the blight threatening the neighborhoods in his district. He provided support to food banks, community gardens, neighborhood associations, and the Detroit Police Precincts. Burton felt a deep commitment to the Northwest community, individual residents, and children returning to school each fall. His firm belief that higher education was necessary to adult success led to his personal contributions to, and creation of the Burton Leland scholarship fund. Renowned for his dynamism, charisma, and irreverent nature, Burton was a tireless campaigner who loved knocking on doors to meet his constituents. Notably, in the early 1980s Burton passed a bill in the House that became known as the Lemon Law, a consumer advocacy law that gave car buyers a brand new replacement if a defect was found that could not be fixed. Burton Leland will be missed by the thousands of constituents and the families he touched over the years, solving their problems, sharing their concerns and securing the services they needed. Burton is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years Rosanne (Letvin), loving son Zachary, with daughter-in-law Nicole and darling granddaughter Lilly, and Detroit City Councilman Gabriel Leland, brother Joel and sister-in-law Andrea, mother-in-law Eileen Letvin, brother-in-law Joel Letvin and sister-in-law Dana Letvin, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many wonderful and loving friends and colleagues. It is suggested that those who wish to further honor the memory of Senator Burton Leland may do so by making a contribution to: Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue 1457 Griswold Detroit, MI 48226 (313)962-4047 http://www.downtownsynagogue.org/ or Congregation Kehillat Israel 2014 Forest Road Lansing, MI 48910 (517)882-0049 http://kehillatisrael.net/ SERVICES 2:00 P.M. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 AT THE IRA KAUFMAN CHAPEL. 248-569-0020. INTERMENT AT ADAT SHALOM MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY. www.irakaufman.com
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May 8, 2019
Went to high school with Burton and he
August 4, 2018
The Great Gentleman, Statesman, Thee Adorable
Servant from God, King Burton Leland.
Just got the word on this day, August the 3rd, that my dear pal, passed way back in February, the 25th. Lord'y Lord. I had to grab my heart upon this alarming news. Never will forget I called the office last year, asking for a T-shirt. His secretary said she will deliver the message. Low and behold, Here comes Senator Burton Leland, Himself, with my T-shirt, accompanied with his driver. That is a very special, tender moment, for me. Always in my heart, He and Gabe. Sir Burton Leland, is truly, Unforgettable. May his precious soul, Rest in Heaven. Prayers, Blessings.
Sister: Tina Lewis, Still in Brightmoor, with Gratitude. Praise God,
and anyhow! ALWAYS.
August 4, 2018
Lord'y, Lord. Just got the word, on this day; August the 3rd, 2018, that my Lovely Pal Passed, way back in February, thee 25th,? A sweet King, Statesman, Administer, Thee Great Sir, Gentleman Burton Leland, Is Unforgettable! He was a well rounded, handsome, very kind, and polished servant.
I had to grab my heart, upon this alarming news. He always showed me the utmost respect. He will always be my heart, and just an adorable Angel. Gabe, I Love You All. Be Blessed, Dearest. Prayers, Gratitude. Merciful God, Almighty.
Tina Lewis, Still in Brightmoor.
Samuel and Marcia Black
March 8, 2018
Rest In Peace dear brother .
Love Samuel Black and Family
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March 5, 2018
Sending my condolences to the Leland Family.
-N. Smith
L. west
March 4, 2018
Burton was a great social worker. I met him 25 yrs ago walking in the Rosedale Park parade. He lived on Grandville also and we both were MSW's.. Later I worked @ Evangelical and Eden Manor two senior bldg. in Detroit. I often called on him to help me find support for the residents, i.e. buses to events, funds to support luncheons, BBQ , gifts for residents and a variety of things. He listened to what the seniors needed and always tried to help.
John winston
March 4, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Blair Nichols
March 3, 2018
"I have sent death as a messenger of joy..." Dear Mr Lealand has received his message of Joy but those of us left behind miss him deeply. Thank you for being there for our Black community. Love and prayers being offered for your wife and family and for the progress of his soul.
larry avery
February 27, 2018
Dear Roseanne, sorry to hear about the passing of Burton. With deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your family.
Larry from the MAC.
Larry/Jane Max/Hildebrand
February 27, 2018
Dear Roseanne, Zach and Gabe,
Sending you a loving message at this special time of grief and remembering. Burton's dedication to family and friends has earned him great respect.
He was an extremely worthy person who helped others to a remarkable degree. This makes him an admirable human, and one who will live on in our memories.
We are holding you in our hearts.
with love, Max and Jane
Jill Turner
February 27, 2018
Mr. Burton Leland was truly a man of integrity, always doing everything he could do to upgrade the lives of people communities & the citizens in the state of Michigan. With hard work heart felt concern of the well being of all around him. He was absolutely a hands on indivisual a real people person, pleasant & approachable. I shall never forget the day we met i was not a residence of the city, but i had a army of freinds associates & family members who helped him conquer his goal in every election everytime, but once he was walking greeting & introducing himself to the my daughter & new millenial residents in the city of Detroit in 20k2 - 03. Yes! finally i could vote for him as a city residence. I never had a problem that he could not give a positive solution and resolve it or share how to handle it. truly the God of Abraham Isaac & Jacob gave him a grace of paramount wisdom. ( I would often tell him) I was always honored to help him campaign & getting the word out that he was the best man for the job. This public servant of Michigan will truly be missed. May God bless strengthen & comfort his wife chidren & family with a glorious peace.
Ruth Kedzior
February 26, 2018
Roseanne, Zach and Gabe, I am so sorry for your great loss. I remember your family fondly although the boys probably don't remember me as their babysitter! Burt left a great legacy that must make you proud. If we all took a small percentage of his commitment to social justice and carried it forward, the world indeed would be a better place. Sending a warm hug with my deepest sympathies.
Valda Adams
February 26, 2018
I send my blessings to the family as they go through this grieving time in their lives. I met him years ago when I first became a precinct delegate and over the years and attended many political functions. He will be deeply missed and I will miss his newsletters and birthday cards. He was always a thoughtful and helpful person. God Bless.
February 26, 2018
Dear Rosanne,
My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Joanne Blau Bellet
February 26, 2018
Condolences. Mr. Burton Leland seemed like a man that gave back to his community in many ways. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob comfort you during your time of grief (Exodus 4:6, 6:4).
Janis Rossman
February 25, 2018
Hi Roseanne. I was so sad to hear about Burt's death. Janice Stein, Jana Goldman and I were reminiscing about the years we spent laughing with your hubbies antics. I am sending thoughts and prayers to all of you.
February 25, 2018
So sorry to hear of Burton's passing. I was in touch with him in the early 70's when I was dating Robert B. Levy (they were friends). And then saw him again at a Holocaust dinner a few years ago when he took a photo of John Kerry and me. I was supposed to send him a copy of the photo - just sorry I didn't. My sincere condolences. Brenda Oventhal Saperstein
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