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Lawyer Burton was 'one of best'

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By SHANNON BEHNKEN

sbehnken@tampatrib.com

Published: June 26, 2009

Prominent Tampa trial lawyer Glenn M. Burton died Wednesday, the same day Florida's governor decided to appoint him to the board of the Tampa Sports Authority.

Burton, 51, was driving back from a Florida Bar convention in Orlando when his heart stopped shortly after 6 p.m., said Nancy Burton, his wife of 28 years.

The two were on Interstate 4, near the Hard Rock Casino when Burton slumped over. His wife said the car was at full speed when she took control of the wheel, used her hand to press the brake and guided the car onto the grassy median. She and paramedics tried to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation but were unsuccessful.

"Everyone who ever came in contact with Glenn remembers his whit, sense of humor and generosity," Nancy Burton said.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Glenn Mathew Burton Jr, 21.

Burton was a partner in the Tampa law firm, Burton, Beytin & McLaughlin. He was active in the Florida Bar and was chairman-elect of the Trail Lawyers Section of the Bar. He was to be named chairman this week and to officially take the position next week.

He graduated from the University of Florida in 1980 and from Stetson University College of Law in 1983.

His father, Dan Burton, said his son was a devoted father who was active in the Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts and served as a mentor to young boys.

"He's always been a wonderful son, from the time he was child he was caring and generous," Dan Burton said. "He carried that through his life."

Erin Issac, spokeswoman for Gov. Charlie Crist, said the governor instructed his appointment office to move forward with Burton's appointment to the sports authority board.

Nancy Burton said her husband had heard the appointment might be forthcoming and had checked messages throughout the day, hoping for good news. He never learned of the appointment, his wife said.

Burton's partners at his law firm said his passing is a major loss for the firm and community. "I can tell you without hesitation that he was one of the best lawyers in the state," said Ken Beytin, a partner in the firm.

Burton helped form the firm in May 2000 and specialized in medical malpractice. He co-authored and helped assemble a book, the Florida Medical Malpractice Handbook, which was published by the Florida Bar. An updated version of the book is set to go to press on Monday, Nancy Burton said.

Memorial arrangements have not yet been made.

Reporter William March contributed to this report. Reporter Shannon Behnken can be reached at (813) 259-7804.

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