Leonard Francis Burton, Able Seaman Leading Torpedoman, RCNVR

For Posterity's Sake

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

Leonard Francis Burton

Able Seaman, Leading Torpedoman, V52144, RCNVR

Born: 08 Apr 1924, Vancouver, British Columbia

Died: 19 Oct 2012, Delta, British Columbia

BURTON, Leonard Francis - Suddenly in the morning of October 19 Len passed away. He leaves behind Audrey, his loving wife of 61 years, children Laurie (George), David, Kerrie (Bryan), Craig, 3 grandchildren Shayne (Sue), Jasmyne (Justin), Jessica, 3 great grandchildren Hannah, Tyler, Logan, and sister Mary Gledson. Predeceased by parents Frank and Alice, brothers John, Charles, Eric & sisters Clare Kelly, Ruth Crape, and grandson Aaron. Born and raised in South Vancouver (47th & Victoria area), Len attended Tecumseh School. From 1942-1945 he served on the minesweeper HMCS Wasaga, the duties were Atlantic convoy escorts and minesweeping (including the Channel, prior to the Invasion). Len was a member of RCL Delta Branch 61. After his discharge, Len worked for Pacific Press. He was there for 20 years as a printer. Then, with his brother-in-law Art , they purchased a hardware store in North Delta that they ran for about 5 years. While managing the store he took night courses at UBC in real estate. As a realtor he worked mainly in Tsawwassen and Ladner for another 17 years. Len and Audrey moved to Tsawwassen in 1961, then down to Boundary Bay in 1981 where they enjoyed their retirement. He loved his morning bike ride up and down every street in the Bay, working in his garden, and crabbing during the spring low tides. He was an avid reader and talented chess player. He was blessed with good health all of his life. Len requested no service. A celebration of his life will be held by his family. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Delta Hospital would be appreciated. As Dad would say "Let's Do It Again Sometime" (The Vancouver Sun 27 Oct 2012)

Len's brother Eric Burton also served in the navy during WW2.

Ships served in:

HMCS DISCOVERY - Served in Discovery 17 Dec 1942 - 16 Feb 1943. Enlisted 17 Dec 1942. Active service commenced 15 Feb 1943.

HMCS TECUMSEH - Served in Tecumseh 17 Feb 1943 - 18 Apr 1943

HMCS WASAGA - Served in Wasaga 07 Sep 1943 - 27 Dec 1944 as an AB.ST and AB.LTO. Rated LTO 28 Dec 1944. Was on board Wasaga for D-Day.

HMCS SCOTIAN - Served in Scotian 27 Jun 1945 - 05 Aug 1945

HMCS DISCOVERY - Served in Discovery 06 Aug 1945 - 13 Nov 1945. Demobilized 13 Nov 1945