Tracy James Burton
February 14, 1972 - May 15, 2017
With great love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Tracy James Burton in Brooklyn, New York on May 15, 2017. Born on February 14, 1972 in Salt Lake City, Tracy was a scholar of life and loved to follow his dreams. He will be remembered for his dry, devilish and cheeky wit. Tracy was a meticulous, stylish and engaging host. His guiding principle was that love always wins (always!) and he was devoted to his entire family. He traveled the globe, leaving an indelible impression on those who met him and will be sorely missed by his friends and loved ones around the world.
Tracy was an accomplished, lifelong artist. At Cottonwood High School, he was honored as a Sterling Scholar for Art. He went on to work as a commissioned artist and later studied in China and Italy and became a travel photographer and painter in London. He spent the last years of his life studying photography at the International Center of Photography in New York City.
Tracy is preceded in death by his grandparents and his father, James Burton.
He is survived by his mother Suzanne Hemmert; husband Sean Davis; siblings Stephanie Burton, Alexandra (Jeremy) Watson and A.J. Burton; stepmother Cody Burton; and his nieces and nephew, to whom he was an adoring uncle.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where we request the pleasure of your company. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building.
Online condolences may be offered and a tribute video slideshow may be viewed at www.starksfuneral.com.
He will carry on in our hearts and smiles.
In lieu of flowers kindly make a donation to the Wave Hill Fund for the Arts at https://www.wavehill.org.
In Loving Memory
It is with an extremely heavy heart that Patrick and I extend our condolences. Tracy was a dear friend for 20 years and the thought of a world without him is nearly impossible to imagine. Love always wins!
Steven Hensel
Seattle, WA
Thank you for your life, Tracy. Thank you for the example you set, the choices you made, for living life to the fullest and showing us how. Thank you for the reminder that love wins. Always. Much love and warmth to your loved ones. Thank you for sharing Tracy with us.
Amalie Leano
Princeton, NJ
Tracy, you will be forever missed. I am so very sorry to hear of your passing, and my heart breaks to know that you felt pain and loneliness in this world, because you made it your life's mission to make sure that no one around you felt loneliness or that they didn't somehow belong. I will always remember your incredible smile, your silly humor, your undying love for everyone in your life and the fact that you always picked up the phone to talk to your friends and family... and of course I will never forget your kindness when you took care of me during a time in my life when I needed a real "mama." You were that to me and so much more. I'm sorry that I wasn't a better friend, but for the rest of my life I will be thankful for the lessons that you've taught me--on how to be a friend--and apply those to everyone around me in your honor. I love you, Tracy, and will think of you with a big smile, always. "Love always wins! Always!"
Catherine Abegg
Seattle, WA
I will always remember your infectious smile, your incredibile wit and the fact that you tried to teach me to love and understabd contemporary art, although I hated it! ciao for now. Fede
Federica Iannelli
Milano, Italy, IT
A beautiful soul full of love and laughter. Our paths crossed infrequently; but whether it was a greater understanding of art, or stories of China, or a shared passion for the New Yorker magazine, each day spent with you left me richer. My sincere condolences to your family and loved ones.
Heide Blunt
Hong kong, nan
My deepest sympathy for you all. Your family is in my heart during this difficult time.
Joshua Stanchfield
Sandy, UT
My dear friend, I miss you so much. I cannot believe my driving partner is gone. You will live in my heart forever. xoxo
Natalie
Seattle, WA