Dr. David Burton PDF Print E-mail
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David Scott Burton, M.D. passed away at his home in Atherton on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the age of 71. Dr. Burton was one of the medical crew along with Dr. Lee. 

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, raised in Boise, Idaho, and inspired by his father, an orthopaedic surgeon, his ambition to become a doctor began when he was a young child. He moved to Palo Alto in 1956 to attend Stanford University, where he earned his undergraduate degree, attended medical school, and completed his orthopaedic residency.

He was a Clinical Professor at Stanford Hospital, where he performed the first total hip replacement in California and ran the trauma service. Trauma medicine became his passion, and in 1980 he accepted the position of Chairman of Orthopaedics at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, which was the only trauma center in that county. Respected by his colleagues, he considered the staff at the Valley his second family. He devoted himself to that position for 27 years, retiring in 2007.

He was a passionate teacher of Stanford residents and remained active after his retirement as a medical-legal expert.

He volunteered as a racetrack physician for the SCCA for 25 years and as a tutor for high school students in science.

Adoring husband of Kate, loving father of Cat, Jen, Doug, son-in-law Mike, and daughter-in-law Carrie, caring grandfather to Hazel and Ellery, and admiring brother of Riley, he was a loving and loyal friend who will be remembered and missed by all. At his request, a private gathering will be held in January. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Toys For Tots or Second Harvest Food Bank.

      

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The Web Team to share your memories on Dr. Burton's page.

Dr Burton was a rare character at the race track, combining medical skill with a great enthusiasm for sports cars.

He learned his skills as an orthopedic surgeon in Bradford, England as he liked to tell me "they showed me how to cut bones over there!" he would say. And that pragmatic view of life was useful in many situations as a member of Dr. Lee`s medical crew.

He was always great fun to be with and a very caring and considerate person.

And he had a wicked sense of humor.........I remember driving back from Laguna in my Jaguar on a Sunday night and was passed on the freeway by an ambulance at high speed. As it went by, the driver slowed and flipped me off!  yes......we knew who it was.

thank you Doctor Burton!

you were a great guy.......

Alan Mertens

SFR Flag crew
Last Updated ( Thursday, 17 December 2009 )