Craig Lee Burton of Littleton, Colorado passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026 at HCA HealthONE Swedish hospital in Englewood, Colorado. He leaves behind a legacy rich in intellect, curiosity, and deep love for his family. Born on January 7, 1945, in Camden, New Jersey, to the late Richard and Charlotte Burton, Craig was the eldest of three boys. He set an early standard of leadership, thoughtful mentorship, and camaraderie that would define his life.
After spending his formative years on the East Coast, Craig’s passion for the natural world and the law led him west to Denver, Colorado. There he built a specialized career in mining law, combining his sharp analytical mind with a profound respect for the earth and its resources.
Craig's journey from the East Coast took him through New Mexico, Maine, New Brunswick (Canada), Texas and finally into Colorado. Along the way he met Pauline (Brown) Burton with whom he built a life with. Their remarkable 24-year marriage included the arrival and upbringing of their only son, Matthew Burton.
Above all, Craig’s proudest role was that of a father. Matthew was truly his pride and joy. Craig filled Matt’s life with steady guidance, unwavering encouragement, and unending love. As Matt’s family grew, Craig’s heart expanded even further with Matt’s marriage to Stephanie and the arrival of his three beloved granddaughters—Amelia, Charlotte, and Katherine.
Craig had a deep passion for the outdoors and spent countless hours on the water fly fishing. An artisan at heart, he devoted meticulous care to tying his own custom flies—a quiet craft that mirrored his patient and focused nature. His intellectual curiosity extended into many other pursuits. He was an amateur genealogist who successfully traced his ancestral roots back several centuries and an avid collector of rare minerals and Civil War memorabilia connected to his family’s rich lineage. Always finding meaningful ways to stay connected with those he loved, Craig also embraced video games as a favorite pastime, sharing laughs and strengthening bonds with his brother and son across the miles.
He is survived by his son, Matt (Stephanie) Burton; his three cherished granddaughters, Amelia, Charlotte, and Katherine; his former wife Pauline Burton; his best friend and longtime companion, Barbara Ridgway; his two brothers, Jeff Burton and Wayne Burton; and several beloved nephews and a niece.
Service Information: Memorial service information will be announced at a later date.
Service Information: Memorial services will be held on Friday, September 25th at 10:00 a.m. at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery – 7777 W 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Craig’s memory to Girls on the Fly, a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) charity chosen to honor both his deep love of fly fishing and his immense pride in his three granddaughters.
https://www.girlsonthefly.org/
