An honoured veteran who spent 50 years in the military died just months into his retirement. The family of army veteran Major Denis Burton MBE, from Beddau, say he had a “huge impact” after he died following a “short but aggressive illness”.
Major Burton, who died on St David’s Day, was known across Wales as a recognisable figure often seen leading the Regimental Band and Corps of Drums out at the Principality Stadium during Wales’ Six Nations clashes and autumn internationals.
His family said it was “fitting” that his final role with the band came when he played during King Charles’ visit to Wales to mark his position as the new monarch. Following the royal visit Major Burton handed the position of band master to his son Richard after a 50-year career in the military.
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In a statement his family said he was “the epitome of service before self”. “His dedication to duty was unwavering and he was the epitome of service before self right to the very end of his life,” they said.
“Denis was often a man of few words, but when he spoke it was profound and people listened. He had a huge impact on those he encountered throughout his distinguished career.”
Major Burton’s family said he served in many regiments as a musician, band master and director of music including the Royal Ordnance Corps, Light Infantry, Royal Lancers, Royal Engineers, Grenadier Guards and the Royal Welsh.
“He took enormous pride in them all,” his family said. “His career took him all over the world and he took part in all the great occasions of state in London when he served with the Grenadiers. His 15 years with the Royal Welsh Band gave him such joy - he loved working with the fantastic people who served as Reserve soldiers.
“Performing in the Sydney Opera House with them was an undoubted highlight and as a family we were all so proud when he was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2017 – a fitting reward to a man who had always given so much.
“He will be sorely missed by all, not least as a husband, father, and grandfather to his family. A great man taken too soon.”
While Major Burton was undoubtedly most known in Wales for his stirring performances with the band at the Principality, one of his own highlights of his service was with the Regimental Band at the Presentation of Colours in 2015 with Mametz Wood. Some of his arrangements and compositions are still used on occasions such as Trooping the Colour.
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