Read Jerrold Arthur Burton's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Jerrold Arthur Burton

Tualatin, OR, USA

December 1, 1942 - October 17, 2018

Dec 1, 1942 - Oct 17, 2018

In lieu of flowers

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Tri-Counties Regional Center Client Help Fund.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

Jerrold Arthur Burton, known to friends as "Jerry," died peacefully on October 17, 2018, at the age of 75.

A native of Miami, Fla., Jerry graduated from Miami High School and entered Florida Presbyterian College, now Eckerd College. With the help of scholarships and work study, Jerry earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology in 1964, and was a member of the college's first graduating class. Jerry was then accepted into the graduate Social Work program at the University of Chicago where he earned his MSW.

After completing service as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force in San Antonio, Texas, Jerry and his first wife Jane moved to Santa Maria, Calif. in 1970, where he worked as a psychiatric social worker with Tri-Counties Regional Center. He remained at Tri-Counties for the rest of his 30 year career, managing both the Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo offices. While in Santa Maria, Jerry was very active in the community, serving on the boards of various mental health organizations and the Good Samaritan Shelter.

After retirement, Jerry and his family moved to Maple Ridge, British Columbia in 2007, before settling in Tualatin, Ore. in 2010, where he lived out the remainder of his life.

Jerry maintained a lifelong passion for flower gardening and cultivation, with a special love for orchids. He won many awards for his flower arrangements and individual flower entries. Jerry planted beautiful gardens at every home in which he resided. After moving to Oregon, Jerry was mostly retired and discovered a new hobby in Pickleball, a game he continued to play even after his left leg was amputated. He spent many enjoyable hours at Calvin Presbyterian Church and the Juanita Pohl Community Center, making valuable friendships as he played Shanghai Rummy, Pickleball, and joined in other activities and events. While playing cards, Jerry met Sharon Noell who became a dear friend and trusted caretaker through the remainder of his life.

Jerry is survived by his brother, Charles Burton of Macon, Ga.; Children Randy Burton (Vanessa Silva) of Durango, Colo., Jason (Melody) Burton of Gresham, Ore., and their mother Jane Furcinite of Santa Maria, Calif.; Foster son Larry (Diana) Wilkerson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Step-son Rory Manley Call of Tualatin, Ore., and his mother Cynthia Manley of Newfoundland, Canada; Step-daughters Carrie Melville Tatum of Gig Harbor, Wash., and Stacy Melville Moak of Sacramento, Calif., and their mother Lynn Melville of Santa Maria, Calif.; Grandchildren Linnea Burton, Alan Burton, Michelle Wilkerson, Daniel Wilkerson, Ryan Wilkerson, and Austin Wilkerson.

Jerry's family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon and celebration of his life at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 15 at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 10445 SW Canterbury Lane, Tigard, Ore.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tri-Counties Regional Center "Client Help Fund" at 520 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Tri-Counties Regional Center Client Help Fund.

Learn more & give