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William Alexander Burt

William Burt Obituary

Family-Placed Funeral Notice

WILLIAM ALEXANDER BURT 08/14/1940—03/19,2007 Passed away peacefully after a long battle with throat cancer. Bill, of Atlantis, was born in Baillieston, near Glasgow, Scotland, and worked all his life as a well-known journalist in Scotland, England, Canada and the U.S. Starting as a cub reporter on the Coatbridge Advertiser in Scotland, Bill worked for Fleet Street News Agency in London; the Daily Mail in Scotland and England; Editor and Publisher Magazine in Toronto; and as a reporter and editor with the National Enquirer in Florida. He was editor of The Examiner and wrote and co-authored many books including “Embraced By Angels.” Bill was loved as a wit and raconteur and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Norma; sister Sandra Donahue of Fremont, Calif.; son Peter and his wife Tricia of Palm Beach and their children Peter Liam, Aidan, Bridget and Ryan; son Lawrence and his daughter Katie; stepson Benjamin Moss and his children Malinda, Clay and Chelsea. A memorial service will be held at Del Lago Chapel, 131 S. Lakeside Drive, Lake Worth at 2 p.m. on Friday. A wake for family and his many friends will follow at Brogues Irish Pub, 621 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth at 3 p.m. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

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Published by The Palm Beach Post on Mar. 21, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for William Burt

46 Entries

July 13, 2012

I owe everything to Billy Burt.
He told me, in 1973: "I work for this crazy outfit in Florida. They pay fabulous money, get you a Green Card and you travel all over the world. It's called the National Enquirer. And they're looking for a reporter."
I worked with Billy on the Mail in London and for Maclean-Hunter in Toronto. And then the partying continued in Lantana.
I agree with Jim: Whenever you were with Billy, you knew you were going to have a good time. But his hilarious wisecracks often hid the fact that you were with the smartest guy in the room.
And you could always depend on him to reach out and help.
Billy, rest easy. You were a fine friend.
I owe you one.
John South, Los Angeles.

Aidan Burt

July 12, 2012

I only remember seing him in the hosopital when I visted him. But my dad has told me great things about him and funny jokes he's always said. I'm glad my grandpa is him and I wish he could be here with everyone

Jim McCandlish

April 5, 2007

In the 42 years I knew Bill Burt I never met a single person who didn't like him -- and that's gotta be some kind of record. Maybe we should alert Mr Guinness, or even The Enquirer. It's the kind of uplifting story Billy himself would love to write.
We liked him because he was a great guy -- but it was his brilliant sense of humor which made him stand apart. His many friends all say he was the funniest guy they ever met, and the funny thing about that is that it's true.
I just got an e-mail from Billy's cousin Jonny Bell in London who repeated that very sentiment -- and pointed out he'd just spent the previous Saturday night with Michael Palin of Monty Python's Flying Circus!
Billy really did brighten up a room. When he hobbled in, cane in hand, you knew things were about to get a whole lot better. Now we're gonna have some fun!
We're all going to miss Bill, but I for one thank my lucky stars I had him around for all those years. And that goes for you too, Norma, God bless you.
Keep 'em laughing upstairs, William!

Adam Chrzan

April 3, 2007

It has been so long since I talked about "Enquirer" stuff, but I recall Billy Burt a great and funny and loving man. My dad used to speak about him with such reverence. Rest easy, Bill and Nat. Circulation in Heaven is truly soaring now.

Lynn Schuster

March 30, 2007

I remember Bill as a fine oustanding man that left an impression upon people he touched. His stories were delightful and everyone remained quiet when he talked. Bill was intelligent and I learned a lot from his views of the world. My regrets to family and friends who will miss him. Norma I can't express how sorry I am for your loss. You were the best wife anyone could have ever wanted. Bill was lucky to have your strength and support during his lifetime and especially his last weeks. Love always, Lynn

Tom and Fiona Steele

March 29, 2007

We were so glad to make contact with Bill recently to reminisce and exchange cuttings from the Scottish Daily Mail in the 60’s..the decade that became the high point for newspaper reporters in Scotland. Bill shone as one of the country’s finest journalists and an even finer colleague. A character too.

george and jennifer wilkie

March 28, 2007

bill was a good friend when we worked together in scotland...many a day and night spent together during those years ...when he visited, my wife , bill and myself would pass the time into the wee small hours ...he was a lovely man and a good friend ..he will be missed.

Johnny Belk

March 27, 2007

Bill was a true friend who recommended me for a job that got me started in my lawn maintenance business. My sincere condolences go to Norma, their children and grandchildren. He will be missed!!

Gene Donohue

March 27, 2007

Bill was my brother in law but really more of just a brother. We wrote Emails back and forth about golf or whatever and we always had a good laugh. I already miss him dearly. Gene Donohue

Della Attisani

March 27, 2007

I knew Billy Burt by reputation only, but what a reputation it was! My years at the Examiner were from from 1990-5, and although Billy himself had left, his legend as a newsman and a character was firmly in place. During those years, I had the pleasure of working with Peter and Norma (my clipping partner) and to Billy's wonderful and devoted family, I send my deepest condolences.

Norma, I remember you so fondly. I will say a prayer for your Billy and send you a special, giant hug. God bless!

Tony Frost

March 27, 2007

Friday is never an easy day for us at Globe because of a 7p.m. lock-up,but I wouldn't have missed Billy's service for the world. It was truly uplifting. Peter's words were so touching and would have made Billy very proud. The large turn-out showed how much the wee man was respected and loved. I was unable to join the celebration at Brogue's, but I'm sure I'll be toasting Billy with one or two in the near future alongside Jimmy McCandlish. Ironically, even though Globe was left short by myself and others attending the service, our lock-up went smoothly - maybe Billy was watching over us to make sure we made the deadline!

John Harris

March 27, 2007

I'm sorry that a long-scheduled eye surgery prevented me from being with all my friends at Billy's wake. But I later hoisted a few cold ones in his honor and memory. Billy and I were among the first reporters hired at the National Enquirer. I found him to not only be a first-rate journalist but a true and jolly friend. Despite medical issues early on, Billy maintained his jovial outlook that was an uplifting inspiration to us all. So, Billy, bon voyage and Godspeed, my fine friend. --John Harris

Tam Kirk

March 26, 2007

A toast to a great Scot who I knew for 10 years through my dearest friend Sheila O'Donovan.
Billy, I am sorry you have joined the deed before yer time, but you sure were a Scot from the old school and I am privileged to have known you.
"Here's tae us, wha's like us, dam' few! An' they're a' deed."
Tom Kirk, Greenock, Scotland, (doon the water frae Baillieston.)

Sheila O'Donovan

March 26, 2007

What else is there left to say?
Billy Burt's passing marks the end of an era -- a wild and crazy, fun-filled time with Billy merrily leading the way.
Back in 1981, after a chance meeting at a Thanksgiving dinner, Billy offered to interview me for a job on The Examiner. I jumped at the opportunity, never imagining that as a result I would become "Dear Sheela" for the next quarter century, through 7 or 8 successive editors. Oh, how time has flown.
I loved being a part of those laughter-filled days and party nights of the 1980s. And what good friends Billy and Norma turned out to be. Thank you, and bless you both!

Tom Wilbur

March 26, 2007

There are many moments that come to mind when I think of my friend, Billy Burt. I’ve known Billy since the late 70s, but really became close when I switched over to Globe from the Enquirer—when they were on Congress Avenue in West Palm—and he was Editor and I was his Managing Editor on the Examiner.
I guess the magic moment that comes right to the top was one time when Norma called me at home and asked if I would trek out to the Holiday Inn and keep an eye on the little Scottish Scoundrel. I assured Norma that I would track him down an “take good care of him”.
I did, indeed, find him ensconced at the bar at HoJos. What could I do—I joined him for a few (or more).
After testing the waters there we ventured forth to check out a few places along the way home.
I gues it was about one in the morning as we were leaving this tavern just south of the old Nostalgia.
Not too steady on the old pins, Billy exited the building and as he crossed a parking barrier his cane got tangled with his feet and down he went. Face first, I might add.
I poured him—and myself—into my car and headed for the apartment on Croton Avenue in Lantana.
I must have alerted Norma that we were on our way. When the elevator opened on their floor there was a picture that will go down in infamy. I was standing there holding the wee soldier up. We were both covered in blood, as well as the floor of the elevator.
As we stood there the words that flooded over my brain came back to me.
“Don’t worry, Norma, I’ll take good care of him!”
Norma, for some reason, never again asked me to go hunt up Billy.
There were many, many adventures they took place over the years. Probably too many to mention.
Billy will always be in my heart, I will never forget the little bugger. He was, in my mind, one of the most creative tabloid minds around. He will sorely be missed.
Will just have to know in our hearts that his pain and suffering has ceased and that he left behind memories—for us all—that will last our lifetimes.
I raise a toast to “the funniest, most creative, ornery, loveable, colorful and smartest mind I’ve ever known—Wee Billy, I will not forget you.
It's a wrap!

irene and john bell

March 26, 2007

We were so sorry we couldn't be there to say goodbye to Billy. He was truly one of life's colourful characters and, like so many, we'll miss his wit and wisdom. He left a large and indelible footprint here, and we can already hear the angels laughing up there.

Paulette Cooper (Noble)

March 25, 2007

Bill went out of his way to help everyone and many of us are very grateful to him. Years after I stopped stringing for the Enquirer, when I was writing a book on psychics, I contacted Bill and he gave me a manuscript he had failed to sell and invited me to use his stories and contacts in it.

Mike Nevard

March 25, 2007

With Billy as Ediitor, the Examiner’s weekly 200,000 circulation soared past the million mark, and hit it week after week. He had that gift of taking well-worn subjects — some of them dating from the lead type era — and turning them into gold.
Billy is an icon of an era past; a larger than life one — professionally, and as a fun-loving human. Whatever the subject, Billy could get a laugh out of it. Although trapped for months in a hospital bed, weak and unable to talk, he would scribble out jokes on a pad when we visited.
And there at his side, day after day, from morning to night, was his wife Norma. Billy must have been unlucky at cards, because he was certainly lucky in love.Thinking back on the many times he told his readers that Angels were real, I wonder if he was aware that he had one at his side all the time. Bless them both.

Katie Burt

March 25, 2007

Grandpa Bill. I cant even fathom that he really is gone. He was just about the best man that I ever have known and probably ever will know. I will never forget sitting at the house with Bill and Sandra and we all put pillows on our backs and would drag our legs immitating Quasimodo saying "Master, master you promised to fix my back master.". No moment was ever dull with Grandpa Bill and he along with his Mother will be in my heart forever.
Love always your Wee Hen.

William Burt

March 24, 2007

I love you dad. Dad has shown me many places around the world. He had many friends and has taught me how to live and adapt anywhere in the world. He is now at peace. I am sure he is already up in heaven making everyone up there laugh. Say hello to Nana.

iain calder

March 24, 2007

Billy:

We joked, laughed, drank, ate, partied, argued, laughed and laughed and laughed for most of the forty years we knew each other. Our children played with each other when they were young. Our wives are best friends.

We worked together building the greatest newsgathering team in American journalism -- and you always made life seem brighter with your humor and inspiration.

You were the best. Even your funeral yesterday -- from the service to the "wake" at the Irish pub -- was the best, most boisterous and funniest I have ever known. Your friends and family did the talking, drinking and story-telling. But YOU, Billy, were the invisible star in the room ... the inspiration for all of us. As always!

I do miss you.

Iain

Ken Matthews

March 24, 2007

Bill was the best at making the absurd seem logical.

Sometimes the reverse of what he said was absolutely true. Or maybe it wasn’t.

For Bill, it was all about the joke in life and life as a joke. Or maybe not.

He was a force for comic surrealism and now it’s gone. The silver-haired pranksters left behind are so sad, but surely he would want us to keep up the laughter.

Tricia Burt

March 24, 2007

Grandpa Bill we love you and will miss you forever. You have amused us like no one else can.
We will remember your voice, you were such a funny guy.No one can do Spiderman or Shrek like you. Until we meet again, Tricia, Peter Liam, Aidan, Ryan and Bridget. Lot's of love.xoxo.

Benny Moss

March 23, 2007

He's been my stepdad for 32 years. He was one of the most generous people I've ever known. He could go on as the life of the party one night and want to be left alone the next day. I didn't like it when he woke me up at 4am with his "Wild Bull Moose Mating Calls" after a night of partying. I'll forever miss him.

Betsy and James Meany

March 23, 2007

With deepest sympathy we say good-bye to Bill but he has left a lifetime of fond memories in all of us. He will be greatly missed for the love and laughter that he brought to our lives. Our love and support goes out to Bill's family.

Sandra Donohue (Burt)

March 23, 2007

There are so many memories - one story was told - there was a Cub Scout concert at Bargeddie Church Hall - my brother was 13 or 14 I was 5 - he came on (his idea)as a panto fairy - complete with pink tutu and tackitty boots dancing around with his wand singing " I am the fairy of the woods I go about doing good". When the audience collapsed laughing I apparently stood up on my chair crying and yelled out "Don't you all laugh at my brother - he's a beautiful fairy" And so he was - magic - Bye Son, think it's a sin for you - love you Boafie xx

Patsy & Haymore Belk

March 23, 2007

I can see Bill laughing and playing with Alexander, Nick, and Victoria. He's painfree, peaceful and in a much better place. Our condolences go to Norma and the rest of the family.

Peter Burt

March 22, 2007

Love, love, love that is what I got. That is what I felt. That is what he showered me with from the day I was born. It's been a few days without him and my heart aches so but I'm confident he's in a better place. To describe what he's done for me in my lifetime would fill a book. Love, love, love that's what my beloved father "Billy" was to me. Miss you dad and love you forever Wee Pee.

Rick Harlowe

March 22, 2007

It's hard to think of Billy being gone when the memories that bring so much laughter and the recollections of so many good times in his presence seem so vivid. That's probably a good definition of a man's legacy.
I will always be grateful to Billy and Norma for taking this orphan in for their holiday get-togethers with all the friends, the laughter, and the sing-alongs
And Norma, your love and devotion to the wee fella was something that was so special and admired. I mean, how many times can you laugh at the same jokes?!
As I lift a glass of Scotch to you, my friend, I can hear you right now ordering me, "Rick, do yer R-r-odney."
So, for you Billy, here goes, "Billy Burt, now there's a guy who gets respect!"
My prayers to all the Burt family.

John South

March 21, 2007

The world is less fun today.
But we were privileged to enjoy Billy's wit, his reporting - and his poetry.

Morag Dick

March 21, 2007

My favorite Billy Story: When I was on the copy desk of the Examiner and my father had just died, his creditors somehow got my work phone number and were harrassing me mercilessly. After one particular bad call in which I shouted a stream of obscenities heard across the entire newsroom, Billy turned around and said, "So Morag, how is Granny today?" I'll sorely miss the wee man.

John Bauman

March 21, 2007

A true gent in so many ways. Whilst I was very sad to hear the news I have to admit I find it difficult not to smile whilst writing this message.And I think that's how he would want us to remember him.Such a real kind man who could bring fun to the dullest party. I had a lot of time for Billy.
Cheers mate.I'll have a beer for you.

Bob Smith

March 21, 2007

William Alexander Burt, otherwise known as Billy Burt, the Baron of Baillieston, was a one-of....a decent wee man who was blessed with a razor-sharpt mind; a sometimes-irrascible humanity and a pawky Scottish wit. What you saw was what you got.
I'm sure he's currently esconced at the bar of the Great Press Club in the Sky with a 'hauf and a hauf pint' (a famous Glasgow drink) in front of him, meeting up with old pals who had gone before, cracking a joke or two....and being just a bit miffed that he's going to miss his wake at Brogues on Lake Ave which promises to be a classic.
Billy - you'll be sadly missed but we're all the much better off for having known you.

Vicky Bowles

March 21, 2007

There are so many wonderful memories of listening to Billy, that impeccable storyteller, and laughing Norma, his best audience, during get-togethers at Tom Wilbur's or Sheila O'Donovan's homes in Delray Beach. Billy was my first editor at the Examiner (of many during 14-plus years) after I came over from the Weekly World News, and I am grateful for all I learned from him, and to have had the pleasure of his charming company. My deepest sympathies to Norma and their children for their loss.

Guy Galiardo

March 21, 2007

I worked together with Billie for many years; often on special projects. Upon returning from his many trips to far off places he often would need my assistance with his "strange" expenses when doing the dreaded expense reports. He was a professional and it has been my pleasure to count him as a friend. My deepest sympathy are with you, Norma, and your family,

Barbra Burt

March 21, 2007

If ever a man could weave a tall tale, make an uncomfortable moment suddenly humorous, or leave you spellbound and engrossed in one of many stories of life it was Bill. I am so fortunate to have become a member of your family even though many miles separated us. You will be missed by all. God Bless you Norma and bring you peace at a time when it likely feels as though there never will be again.

P.S. Bill - Sandra always said "I think my brother makes a beautiful fairy!". That story lives on forever in my mind. Now you are a beautiful angel. Give Nessie a big kiss for me.

Diane Potter

March 21, 2007

Ah Billy, he was a man of many colors. I can still see him playing his according with a gang of friends sitting around listening to him sing his Scottish tunes. He was a legend among his friends.

Tom Tufts

March 21, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the family from Mr. Tufts, Conniston Middle School.

Brian Hitchen CBE

March 21, 2007

I rarely met Bill when he wasn't smiling.
He realised, long ago, that much of life could be a cruel joke. But he was determined to enjoy every moment of it, and he laughed in the face of adversity.
All of which went towards making him such an amazing journalist.
Bill Burt was a professional. And in the newspaper businesses, no higher compliment can be paid by one journalist to another.
My heart goes out to Norma. Life without Billy will be pretty quiet.

Noel Botham

March 20, 2007

Billy was a very fine journalist and an even better friend. He had wit and style and enthusiasm and was a joy to be with. I feel very privileged to have known him. He was fun to know.

Donna-Jeanne Barr

March 20, 2007

Billy was an original. I loved his
enthusisum for the profession we shared, and remember well his many
hilarious tales.

Beau Breckenridge

March 20, 2007

I will add Bill to my list of people I should have made the effort to see more and know better. But I am happy and lucky to have known him at all. Jackie and I send our sympathies to Norma, Peter and their family.

James Gillis

March 20, 2007

Billy was the greatest! All our LOVE from the Gillis family.

Barbara Olson

March 20, 2007

Billy was an amazing man. I have known him since I was a teen. Always a great memory and always a kind word and even a funny story to go with it. He will truly be missed

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