In Loving Memory
of
Cumming Scott Burton
(Cummy)
1936 - 2015


Cummy was born in Sudbury, the youngest son of Archie and Chrissie (Smith) Burton.

Cummy and his two brothers, Marty and Archie excelled at all sports but they were exceptionally good at hockey and played in teams across North America. Cummy was a star in the Ontario hockey league and was eventually signed by the Detroit Red Wings in 1959. There he was, a rookie at 21, rooming with Gordie Howe, and playing with Alex Delvecchio and Ted Lindsay!

Cummy was the last person to wear Detroit’s #6 jersey. It had been retired to honour his cousin Larry Aurie, the team captain who led Detroit to 2 Stanley Cups in 1936 and 1937. However, one day in 1959, he was asked to exchange that # 6 and wear number 9 on his front and number 7 on his back, Lindsay and Howe’s numbers. There had been a death threat on these Detroit superstars by a disgruntled Leaf’s fan and they wanted the rookie Burton to test the waters. Cummy refused.

Cummy’s biggest achievements weren’t to be on the ice. A botched knee operation in Detroit sealed his fate and he turned to a life of serial employment. Most notably, he was sports’ director at CKSO radio and television, sold cars, worked for the railway and was a constant promoter of the Burton Gold Mine.

Cummy loved people and they loved him back. He was funny, smart, honest and outrageous. He supported the Boy’s Home with Father Brian McKee and was a “Flying Father” when he was needed to don the cassock. He was a wonderful friend!

Cummy was inducted into Hockey Heritage North honouring NHL players born in Northern Ontario and was also recognized for his achievements by the House of Kin Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.

Cummy, Dad, Grandfather, Friend, thanks for all the love and laughter. We will never forget you…

Cummy was predeceased by his first wife, Gayle Sawdon and his son Marty Burton (2004). He is survived by his wife of 49 years Suzie (Ebbs), children: Mike (Lisa McClellan), Christy (Craig Forrest), George and Cummy Jr. (Joanne Harris) and his beloved grandchildren: Madison, Dustin, Jacob, Cassidy and Tyler Burton and Kate Forrest; Brothers Martin and Archie (Regina) sisters-in-law Mary Frances Simpson (Bobby) and Catherine Ebbs (Ted Wilson).

Thank you to all his caregivers at Extendicare York, his Bayshore PSWs and the good people at CCAC who administered his care.
Memorial Mass on Friday, August 28th, 2015 11:00 A.M.
at Christ the King Church.
Reception at the Holiday Inn, Regent St. at 1:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers please support the Copper Cliff Minor Hockey Bursary Fund.