Lance Alan Burton of Castine and Monhegan Island passed away due to medical complications on Friday morning, February 23, 2024, at the age of 58.
Lance was born to Robert & Marietta (Tibbetts) Burton on January 5th, 1966 in Albuquerque, NM. He grew up on Monhegan Island Plantation, enjoying life with his friends, before attending Maine Maritime Academy as a member of the Class of ’90E. While there, he met the love of his life, Lisa (Marks) Burton. They married in 1990 in the Monhegan Community Church & moved to Newport News, VA where Lance worked at Newport News Shipbuilding for ten years in the nuclear fueling program, supporting both submarine & aircraft carrier work. After having Jennifer & Benjamin, the Burtons moved home to Maine in 2001 when Lance & his partners started Downeast Marine Resources. Lance then began his career at Maine Maritime Academy, where he loved instructing his students & was celebrated with an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014.
Lance was a genial soul, always ready to greet you with a smile & a laugh. He was often seen zipping around town on his blue scooter, wearing his signature color: day-glow orange. Lance enjoyed working on projects, whether working in his shop, tinkering on engines, or lending a hand to neighbors. In nice weather he would often be found in the yard gardening & tending to his fruit trees, but he always had time to stop & speak with friends when they stopped in to say hello. In rainy weather, he might be found inside, piled on by cats. Lance also enjoyed spending time with his family, either at home, or on special trips to Boston, MA or Sanibel, FL. An avid New England Patriots fan, Lance was beginning to appreciate both the Boston Celtics & Maine Black Bears Hockey.
Lance was preceded in death by his mother Marietta & leaves heartbroken his wife, Lisa; his children, Jennifer & Benjamin; his father, Robert; many extended family members & so many friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Trinitarian Congregational Church in Castine on April 6, 2024, at 1PM with a reception to follow. All who wish to remember him are welcome.
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