Benji Burton Obituary (1959

YAKIMA-Benji Merrill Burton 54 On Tuesday December 17th, 2013 our wonderful friend Benji Burton was reunited with his parents, Grand Parents and nephew as heaven opened their gates, throwing him the biggest welcome home party ever. Benji entered this world the same way he left it: Fighting and way to soon! Born months early, on October 13, 1959 weighing only 2 1/2 pounds Benji beat the odds.. Dr's told his parents Arnold "Jay" and Vivian Burton that his chances of survival were slim. Benji lived his entire life in the Yakima valley and graduated from Eisenhower high school in 1978 . He was quite the Casanova and enjoyed driving his classic muscle cars. Shortly after High School he met the love of his Life, Lori Schrader and in 1982 their son Eric, Benji's pride and Joy was born. The 32 years Benji & Lori had together served as a wonderful example to fight for who you loved and to always keep working at it. Benji was an excellent craftsman and excelled at anything he put his hands on. Whether it was working at Wilsons Electric, Black Ice Paving, Mikes Body Shop or the Selah School District he always left his mark. Not Just in his craftsmanship but also in the hearts of those he worked with. Then back in the early 90s He started "Benji's Custom Tile" and with great pleasure was later joined by his son Eric. Benji's specialty was making lifelong friends. I don't think I have ever met anyone who had so many friends from all periods of his life who have remained bonded through his entire life. He even managed to intertwine all of them together one way or another. Benji Loved Life and Lived it "his" way with no regrets. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, the outdoors: Fishing, hunting and Barbeques. Owning Classic Muscle cars with the latest of his collection his 1967 Camaro & enjoyed the Nascar races. He had a Love for animals and especially his loyal four legged (dog) children. Being the social People person he was Benji enjoyed Dining out with friends, visiting various casinos, playing poker and liked to gamble, however his gambling wasn't only at the casino's as he was always willing to believe in others and take a chance on them when others wouldn't. The last 72 hrs of his life has been a whirlwind of emotions but mostly gratitude: Benji touched 100's if not thousands. He was definitely stubborn and ornery at times, yet one of the most loving and kind person one could know. He would give you the shirt off his back even it were his only one. He loved his family and he loved his friends as if they were family. This is how he wanted to leave this earth, quickly and not lingering to cancer. Benji Leaves behind his wife, Lori (Schrader) Burton, his Son Eric Burton, his brother Robbie Burton& sister in law Debbie Frye, Nephews Robbie Joseph Burton and David Johnson: Benji had a soft spot for kids and effortlessly served as Surrogate father to several bringing them into his home and treating them as if they were his own. He will be greatly missed by his cousins, Aunt Penny & Gene Delp. Aunt Honey & Jack Klickner,and his closest cousin Mike (Carolyn) Beaudry who was always there for him. Benji was Preceded in death by his parents Arnold "Jay" and Vivian Burton, Grandparents his nephew Justin Burton, as well as several Aunts, Uncles, & cousins.. You will be missed greatly my friend! Service Saturday 12-28-13 @11am Shaw and Sons 201 North 2nd Street Yakima Wa 98907 Celebration of Life & Going Home party to follow @ Terrace heights grange 3701 West Birchfeild Rd.