David Stevens Burton

BURTON, DAVID STEVENS Age 59 David Stevens Burton, who came to be known by friends and family as Barone, was born in Iowa and moved to La Jolla at age eleven. David passed away due to complications following a stroke at the age of 59. His family was with him at his passing. David was a member of La Jolla Country Day School's graduating class of 1967. Although he was ASB President, varsity quarterback, and a key player on the school's basketball, golf and track teams, it was David's wit and enthusiasm which captured the hearts of his peers. "David was a real leader on campus-on the athletic field, the classroom, and in all aspects of our lives. Our formative years were greatly enriched by David's energy, excitement, and great sense of humor." Quote by Rob Hill. After attending Dartmouth College for a year, David transferred to Stanford University where he graduated with a degree in Economics. He spent a year at UCLA Law School before returning to La Jolla to marry Sarah Preston Burton, his wife of 35 years. David's career included many years in real estate with the Willis Allen Company in La Jolla and the design and development of San Diego homes. His creativity and unique ability to conceptualize uses of space contributed to his success. In recent years, David enjoyed consulting privately and personal investments. During the first week of August, David could undoubtedly be found working away on the tennis courts of the LJBTC helping the women of Las Patronas construct the elaborate setting for their annual fundraiser, the Jewel Ball. David took pleasure in his involvement with philanthropies including Saint Germaine Children's Charity, the YMCA, La Jolla Youth Sports, and La Jolla High School volunteer work and fundraising. "For over 12 years David's legendary good cheer, endless energy, and valuable expertise have been a mainstay during the Jewel Ball preparations. He has inspired generations of members, spouses, and children at workweek, and as we plan for our 2008 workweek, his memory will motivate us all. He will be missed, but never forgotten." Quote by Barb Mulligan, President of Las Patronas. Although his address was in San Diego, David's spirit has been and will continue to be in Baja. Frequent trips south for fishing and festivities with his family and friends were some of the greatest highlights of his life. "Some of my fondest memories of David include fishing and relaxing at various locations along the Baja peninsula. He always enjoyed the tropical sun, the warm beaches, and any water conducive to swimming, boating, and fishing." Quote by Chris Wyer. David's continued love and support of his family was both unconditional and without boundaries. With passion and pride, David enjoyed following his son Michael's exceptional football career and his daughter Jorie's pursuit of her Juris Doctorate. In addition to being a loving father, he is regarded by his family as the loyalist of friends. "I learned of his love and dedication to his family, which was paramount in his life. His friends and family saw this on a continual basis. I also learned more about David's wonderful character which was always exhibited by his gentle, always caring, and compassionate nature. He was there for you should you have a favor to ask, a problem, or a request, which in my book constitutes a great friend and person. I also found him to be one of the brightest people I have met with a wonderfully quick and incisive mind." Quote by Captain Peter Smith. David is survived by his wife, Sarah Preston Burton, son, Michael Burton, and daughter Marjorie Burton Fischer of San Diego, and sister, Jean Taylor, of Washington, Missouri. Donations in memory of David Burton may be sent to Las Patronas, Post Office Box 1888, La Jolla, CA 92038.