Douglas Burton

Douglas Wayne Burton Apr. 3, 1951- Oct. 11, 2025. Doug (74) lived in Utah where he spent more than half his life. Doug was born in Colorado Springs to Arnold W. Burton & Florene B. (Brandt) Burton in 1951. A graduate of Mitchell High School, he continued on to the University of Denver obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree. He was married to Malerie (Voitik) in the 1980's.

After living in the mountainous region of Colorado working in carpentry/construction, real estate, and trout consulting, he honed in on the latter in Montana, guiding on the Beaverhead river before moving permanently to his home of Dutch John, Utah where the Green river flows out of the Flaming Gorge reservoir.

Doug is survived by his sisters Natalie (Pete) Ballweber of CO and Stacey Moore of WY. Many dear cousins, nieces/nephews and greats also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Shared sentiments show that Doug left deep imprints in people's hearts, but trod lightly upon this earth ~ an avid hunter, sportsman, fly fishing guide and conservationist. Although it is hard to define a unique + special person such as Doug in the constraints of a few lines, there are several reflections from the people closest to Doug that resonate again & again; He lived with a level of contentment few humans experience. He passed through life like a strong but slow moving river, never colliding with, rather bending & flowing around obstacles. Doug was thoroughly & authentically himself. He valued the simple pleasures of everyday living.

Doug has repeatedly been referred to as a mentor, a friend, a kind man. We knew him to be prepared, reliable & wise. Doug simplified life in many ways and moved others to do the same. Whether a fly rod, a 28-gauge side-by-side, a camera, pool cue or boat oars were in his hands, he was skilled.

Doug's preferred Celebration of his Life would be for each of us to remember him in doing what we shared in common, where the void of his absence is replaced with gratitude of our time together. The family foresees a Celebration in Dutch John, Utah Spring of 2026 ~ TBD.

Affiliations + An opportunity to honor Doug in a Memorial donation:

Ruffed Grouse Society

Trout Unlimited

Pheasants Forever