Burton, Dr. Charles V. "Chuck" Surrounded by love and with his wife and children by his side, Dr. Charles V. Burton (Chuck) passed away peacefully at the age of 85 at home in Shoreview, MN on December 19, 2020. We lost an amazing man. Chuck was a world-renowned neurosurgeon, a creative innovator, an advocate for fair patient treatment, an educator, a devoted husband, a generous, loving father, a doting grandfather, an author, an outdoor adventurer, and an artist. Born January 2, 1935, in the Bronx, New York to Norman and Ruth Burton, Chuck's journey toward a career in medicine began at the High School of Music and Arts in New York where he studied art and developed a meticulous attention to detail. After graduation, he attended Johns Hopkins University on a full scholarship, went on to graduate from New York Medical College, completed his Surgical Internship at Yale Medical Center and Grace New Haven Hospital, and finished his resident training at Johns Hopkins Hospital as Chief Resident in Neurological Surgery. Following medical school, Chuck served as Naval Commander and Associate Chief of Surgery/Chief of Neurosurgery at USPHS Hospital during the Vietnam War. To say Chuck was an accomplished neurosurgeon is a serious understatement. Because brain surgery was not challenging enough, Chuck spent most of his professional career at the forefront of ethical neurosurgical spine care. During his 50+ years as a neurosurgeon, his professional roles and certifications, research appointments, inventions and patents, honors, and countless published works barely fit on a 20-page resume. As Editor-In-Chief of The Burton Report, Chuck published credible works about healthcare ethics and integrity. In 2018 he was presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for his success and leadership in his field. He founded the Department of Neuroaugmentive Surgery at Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis, The Low Back Clinic, The Institute for Low Back Care, and the Center for Restorative Spine Care. Chuck acted as Chairman of an FDA medical device advisory panel, served as the Medical Director at Sentinel Medical Associates, and co-founded the North American Spine Society and the American Board of Spine Surgery. Chuck was an inventor and responsible for numerous patents for surgical devices including the operating room fiberoptic headlight, subdural hematoma drill, gravity traction vest, and the LTX 3000. His extraordinary reputation as a successful surgeon who could tackle the most complex cases attracted attention from patients around the world, including two notable priests from the Vatican. As impressive as his career was, Chuck's personal life was even more remarkable. Married almost 30 years to AJ Burton, he was loving and generous, yet never expected anything in return. Chuck adored his Norfolk Terrier, Bart, and was rarely seen without his canine companion. His sense of humor endured no matter the situation and he always had a positive outlook. Rising at 4 am every morning to exercise, he made a habit of watching The Last of the Mohicans, saying he saw something new each time. Chuck's passion for travel and the outdoors led him to pursue adventures with his family and he especially enjoyed all kinds of water activities, from scuba diving to jet skiing. Chuck also loved the mountains and frequently visited Montana for skiing and snowmobile trips that sometimes ended up with a small search party when he went off the trail. Family and friends survived by Dr. Burton lost a piece of their hearts, but he will always be remembered and celebrated as Chuck, the funny, compassionate, smiling, bowtie wearing brilliant doctor and family man. He is survived by his wife, sister, six children, and nine grandchildren. A celebration of life will be planned later in 2021 when it is safe to gather. He was a remarkable man!

Published on January 3, 2021