Patrick “Pat” Burton, director of financial administration in Alumni & Development Programs at Washington University in St. Louis, died unexpectedly Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, at his home in Wildwood, Mo. He was 51.
A proud alumnus who displayed his Washington University degrees on his office wall, Burton earned both a bachelor of science in economics from University College in Arts & Sciences in 1991 and a master of business administration from Olin Business School in 1995.
After nearly 15 years working in the corporate world, Burton returned to his alma mater in 2010 as director of financial administration in Alumni & Development’s Office of Administration. He was promoted in 2011 with expanded responsibilities, including in financial administration, human resources, facilities and desktop technology.
David T. Blasingame, executive vice chancellor for Alumni & Development Programs, wrote about Burton’s numerous contributions, both professionally and personally, in a letter to his Alumni & Development colleagues.
“Pat worked closely with me and my senior staff, especially during the annual budget process. Many members of A&D relied on him as well, for everything from recruitment and hiring to moving offices and dealing with computer issues,” Blasingame wrote.
“He was responsible for many of the essential background services that keep A&D humming, and no matter how large or small the task, he was always ready to help, with his trademark transparency and quiet professionalism.
“We will remember Pat best by who and what he was. He was a man of integrity who earned and kept our trust,” Blasingame continued. “He was invariably calm and prepared, regardless of the problem at hand. He was decent and honest, and he did all of this with a wry and dry sense of humor.”
Prior to joining the Alumni & Development staff, Burton’s previous positions included serving as manager of information technology administration at Kellwood Co. and as manager of finance at Fleischmann’s Yeast.
A memorial service was held Oct. 6 at Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
He is survived by his wife, Robyn; 14-year-old daughter, Jackie; mother, Ingrid Burton; brothers Sean and Eric (Traci) Burton; parents-in-law, Les and Evelyn Mueller; and sister-in-law, Holly Hunter. His father, Patrick Burton, and a brother, Alex Burton, preceded him in death.