Stephen W Burton was born 15 May 1945 in West Wickham, the only child of William & Helena (nee Glenton) Burton. He was known as Steve.
Steve attended Beckenham & Penge Boys' Grammar School & then read mathematics at St John's College in Cambridge. Whilst at Cambridge he met Tony Clark a fellow under-graduate & they formed a bridge partnership which lasted fifty years.
On leaving Cambridge in 1968 Steve spent a term at Dulwich College as part of his teacher training & was then offered a full time post as a mathematics teacher. He remained at the college until his retirement in 2005. As well as his teaching he also coached the U13 cricket for 20 seasons & U13 rugby for 30 seasons. In addition he was a keen supporter of the College Scouts attending numerous summer camps and expeditions over the years.
Steve & Tony Clark partnered each other in the 1970 European Junior Championships playing for Great Britain where the team finished tenth. In October 1972 Steve & Tony played in the Camrose trials finishing first out of 28 pairs. This result ensured that they played in the Camrose that season & they played against Wales in February 1973. England won the Camrose that year.
Over the years Steve won many KCBA competitions. He was part of the winning Arnold Cup team in 1996 & 1997 & the Brook Cup in 1993. In 2012 he won the George Griffiths Cup (senior pairs) with Chris Wall. In later years he regularly played in the KCBA congress, generally with Tony Clark. Playing together they won the Invicta Cup (main pairs) in 2000 & Spurway Bowl in 1997. He was also very successful in the teams winning the Lukey Cup in 2006 & 2011 (both with Tony Clark) & Owl Cup (awarded to the runners up) in 2004, 2007 & 2013.
In National competition Steve won the Silver Plate twice, in 1995 partnering Anne Rosen & in 1998 with Tony Clark. He was also in the winning Pachabo team in 1996 partnering Anne Rosen.
Steve played his club bridge in North West Kent area but his main club was Farnborough where he was a member for over fifty years. He held the position of club match captain on three separate occasions. On completion of the bridge Steve would very often enjoy a drink in the local, The Woodman. He played for Farnborough in competitions such as the Corbett Cup for many years & was in the winning team on numerous occasions.
Outside bridge Steve was a good chess player. He was also a sound golfer with a good long game & at his peak had a single figure handicap. Steve was a very passionate club cricketer for Wickham Park & captain of the second XI for 20 years. He was a solid batsman & an excellent slip fielder.
Steve died 21 May 2016 at Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough.
From Kent CBA
Major International Appearances
European Junior Championships: 1970
Camrose Trophy selections: 1973 1974 and 1976