Obituaries

Philip (Phil) Burton passed away peacefully on January 25, 2023, at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault in the company of family and close friends at the age of 61.

He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Joe O. & Marilyn (Flemal) Burton. He graduated from S.A.H.S. with the Class of 1980. Phil met the love of his life, Bettina Dahl at the Big Boy Restaurant in 1985 while hanging out, having coffee with friends. They were married on November 7, 1988, in Sault Ste. Marie.

Phil was the President and part Owner of Burton Excavating, Inc. which was founded and operated by his father, Joe O. and Marilyn Burton until said time when he and his brother, Bruce took over the reins in 1995. He was a member of Community Baptist Church, BPO Elks Lodge 558, Moose Lodge 717 and American Legion Post 3 and he served as an I-500 Volunteer for years. Phil always made time for ‘Coffee Break’ and would meet at different locations depending on the circumstances in order to keep in touch with friends, business acquaintances and also to maintain comradery with his employees and ‘Lunch Time’ was no different neither was hanging out with his friends at Mike’s Garage; he loved being in the presence of people, and it showed because he was a true friend to many. He always was so intuitive and made time to be there for people, all he needed was to be in their presence to see they were in need of a friend, a listening ear and he was there. He would also be spotted at several funeral services to pay his respects because he would always say, ‘You go for the living’.

Phil, Bettina, and their dog, enjoyed many an hour on their boat whether it was an evening cruise, a short weekend getaway or their entire vacation they always shared their time with friends. It was their way of relaxing & living life at its’ best.

Phil was the recipient of the ‘Life Saving Award’ from the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on January 18, 2010, for his bravery for noticing and acting on what he believed was a house fire, calling the authorities, entering a smoke-filled home and rescuing an elderly lady who was unable to walk.

Phil enjoyed his winters as well, whether he was plowing at times with his little buddy, Tuffy or he was volunteering at the I-500 Track, whether it was giving of his time, his hands, donations, advertising, offering Burton’s equipment and sometimes even some of his staff and in 2018 he was the recipient of the ‘Bud & Donna Clarke Award’ as the ‘I-500 Volunteer of the Year.’

Phil is survived by his wife, Bettina Burton of 34-years, his parents, Joe O. and Marilyn (Flemal) Burton, brothers: Stephen (Cathy) Burton of Mynott, ND, Robert (Deanna) Burton of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Daniel Burton of Collinsville, IL and Bruce (Colleen) Burton of Sault Ste. Marie, MI and several nieces & nephews: Aaron (Trisha), Winter (Patrick), James, Alyssa, Tyler (Deanna), Nichole, David, Jessica, Andrea, Jordan, Kyle and Kaylin and his Father and Mother-in-Law, Roger and Arlene Dahl of Alpena, MI.

A special thank you goes out to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff in the I.C.U at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault who cared for Phil.

Friends are welcome to gather at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home starting at 1:00 p.m. on February 2, 2023, with the Memorial Service to follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Larry Witte officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Hospice of the EUP or to the Chippewa County Animal Shelter.