Gentleman of print
Former editor John Burton laid to rest
JOHN Burton was a decent man with a heart of gold – a true gentleman.
The 86-year-old’s legacy, both as a family man and the former editor of the Gold Coast Bulletin, was honoured yesterday as he was laid to rest by relatives, friends and work colleagues.
A large crowd packed Somerville Chapel at Nerang, with more spilling over into the surrounding memorial gardens.
Survived by his wife Liz, five children, two stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grand children, his eulogy painted a strong picture of Mr Burton’s love for family.
He would savour poolside barbecues, and perform cannonballs into the water with his grandkids – even later in life.
His children spoke passionately of their dad’s zest for life, appreciation of family and his love of the beach.
A beautiful rainbow filled the sky over the Gold Coast in the hours after his death last Thursday – which was also his birthday.
Mr Burton’s daughter, Renae, recalled a “warm”, “wise” and dedicated pa and great-grandpa who gave the best hugs and would always see the best in people.
He was also considered a father figure in the newsroom through his mentorship of young journalists.
Close friend and former Bulletin chief sub-editor Brian Rickards said “Burto”, as he was known in the newsroom, would always take time to nurture and inspire cadet reporters.
“He was much-loved by all,” he said. “He was a man of honour … he had an endearing chuckle and often a twinkle in his soft blue eyes.”
Mr Burton began his career at the Tenterfield Star before moving on to The Courier-Mail and Sunday Truth before settling at the Gold Coast Bulletin.
He spent 35 of his 47 years in journalism at the Bulletin, as a reporter, chief of staff and then 17 years as editor.
He oversaw the newspaper grow from a biweekly publication to six days a week before his retirement in 1996.
“(He was) a safe and diligent man at the wheel,” Mr Rickards recalled. “A champion for decency, integrity, fairness and kindness.”
Mr Burton’s enthusiasm for nurturing young journalists saw the introduction of the John Burton Scholarship at Bond University in 1990, offering journalism students the opportunity to work as a cadet at the Bulletin while they completed their degree.
The Australian’s two-time Gold Walkley winner Hedley Thomas, former editor of The Courier-Mail Greg Chamberlin and former Gold Coast Bulletin editors Bob Gordon, John Affleck, Cath Webber and Peter Gleeson were among the many journalists to attend and pay their respects.
HE WAS A MAN OF HONOUR … HE HAD AN ENDEARING CHUCKLE AND OFTEN A TWINKLE IN HIS SOFT BLUE EYES. BRIAN RICKARDS