I joined Somerville Road Runners in early 2002 at perhaps the lowest point in my life, going through a painful divorce. Call it blind faith, but in his quiet way, Steve conveyed a belief in the power of the individual to reach beyond what seemed possible...equally important for the Club was Steve's ability to harness the energy of our members to collectively 'run' together with a common purpose....I've thought about what is it 'this purpose' in running and thinking of Steve now it seems quite obvious that 'this purpose' that we ran together was a metaphor for life itself. Steve showed us that by believing in ourselves and pushing ourselves (and each other) we could accomplish more than we thought possible...club running is interesting in that there are the individual aspects to it which Steve mentored expertly but just as important were the team aspects which Steve always respected and it was this caring for other's that was our Coach's most important lesson...Steve sincerely cared for us and I am a better person for having been graced by his presence in my life

Just learned the news that Steve passed away. We knew him in a different capacity -- as an unflappable and unfailingly kind and patient member of the Cambridge River Festival team. It may have been only two years but he inspired such confidence, set up systems we use to this day, set a standard for handling crisis and challenging personalities with grace.

We are grateful to have known Steve.

Sorry this is so late. I was a member of SRR from 2000-2004 before moving out to California. Steve Burton was certainly an inspiration to many people. He encouraged you even when things may not have gone as planned. That’s a sign of a great coach. He never gave up on anybody. I remember Steve was the first person to send me an email congratulating me on qualifying for the Boston Marathon for the first time in 2002. Five years later, I still have that email and read it from time to time to stay inspired. He believed in people. I have always admired his strong work ethic and determination. He instilled that in others and I’ve seen it pay dividends for many, many people. With his running knowledge and experience, he was able to help people achieve their dreams. I will never forget Steve and am very sad he is no longer with us.

I was a member of the SRR for a couple of years. Although I wasn't a regular at the track sessions, whenever I did attend Steve was very helpful and patiently answered all my questions and offered his advice to improve my times. His enthusiasm for running was boudless. I wish that I had made a better effort to know him better.

Dear fellow runners, I aplogize for writing this so late but i really had a difficult time trying to understand the loss of such a great person. Steve helped me train for my first Boston Marathon in 2001.With his kindness and sometimes sympathy he helped me with every obstacle i endeavered. He told me I was a good runner & stong willed and that was 90% of the battle. I completed my first Boston in 2001 and ran also in 2002 & 2003. Learning about Steve's passing I have commited myself and have begun traning for the 2007 Boston Marathon for Steve. This world has lost a great human being and a special person for who I will always remember as a friend

I learned last night of Steve's passing, quite by chance. The news leapt out from a Homeless Coalition 5K flyer I picked up. It was eerie to realize that in killing time before a movie the previous weekend I'd strolled Burton turf, having traveled Main St in Medford and passed by the Tufts track and gyms. And it strikes me now how clear my recall is of what was destined to be a fleeting and peripheral connection. How often can a person's words and style be remembered some five years down the line when no bond was formed? That's Steve for you. The lack of a bond between him, his avocation (Avocation? Who knew?) and me is entirely my cross to bear.

I can't improve on the words of Mr Rosen: I may have only known Steve for a short time, but I feel blessed to have known him at all.

There is so much to say about Steve that I don't think I could fit it all on one website. I think I speak for all who have been touched by Steve Burton's kindness and wisdom: Steve Burton was a wonderful human being. Not only was he altruistic, charitable and hospitable, he was a very talented and special individual. His patience as a coach helped me to become the runner that I am today. His constant attention and care towards his runners is something I will never find with anyone else. His work with the Children's Hospital Kids Boston Marathon Team also inspired me to run for a cause and run with a purpose, not just for myself, but for others in need, others who are unable to accomplish the feats that I may be able to accomplish. Steve, not only did you help me to become a better runner, but you helped me to become an altruistic runner, running not only for herself, but for others not as fortunate. I will miss you dear Coach, but I know that you are looking down from above, smiling to everyone you have touched.

You will be missed,

Jessica Zall

As accomplished a runner as Steve was, he was more concerned with how you were doing with your running. He was the epitome of a coach, being everyone's biggest fan, commenting on your most recent performance, encouraging you to keep it up and take it higher. After knowing him only a couple of months, I remember how much he knew I wanted to break 30 minutes at Khoury's. So much so, that he purposely ran next to me one night the whole way, barking in my ear, pushing me to the limit -- telling me how I needed to pick up the pace. By mile three he was on my nerves. But then I was so greatful for him when I posted 29:30. Steve continued to inspire me and to give me great advice, resulting in more confidence that allowed me to run my first marathon several months later. He was such a: great coach (selfless), motivator and team player, who was very devoted to SRR and the running community.

Me again. Just left Steve's party, feeling like I want to appeal to a higher power to send Steve back to us. It's just not fair. Good bye, Steve.

Greg

Wounded is the only way I can describe my feelings at the loss of Steve Burton. Pardon the cliché, but the world is truly worse off without Steve, though so much better for him having been in it.

I got back into running (or, perhaps for the first time, really into running) nearly two decades after I self-destructed as a high school star. One of my first races was the 2003 Gobble Gobble Gobble. Though I didn't realize it at the time, fortune smiled upon me in the form of an error with the results, which prompted me to contact the race director. Steve was very helpful in getting the error corrected, and then asked me if I'd like to join his Mill Cities Relay team. Well, I knew of the Somerville Road Runners and was honored that the Coach was interested in me, so of course I accepted. But a weather postponement and then a business commitment conspired against my participation. Nevertheless I did join SRR, mostly for the purpose of training for my first Boston Marathon, after which I thought I'd leave the club and move into triathlons. But Steve captivated and motivated me, and so I remain a proud wearer of the Black and Gold.

As someone else here aptly wrote, Coach Burton had a way of bringing out the best in people by treating each person as if they were special to him, which in fact they were. Regardless of your ability, Steve made you feel that he was personally interested in you as a runner, which in fact he was. He made you want to do not only better, but to do your BEST. You wanted to impress Steve, to make him proud, because his approval really meant something. I feel good to know that on at least a couple occasions I think I got it.

Steve is among the very few people in my life that I can say had a real influence on me. I only wish I had more time to get to know him. I am grateful to have run into Steve and Nancy on my final long run before this year's Boston Marathon as they were walking along the course. Steve looked good and full of life despite his condition, and I will always remember him that way.

I'm proud and fortunate to have known you, Steve, if only too briefly. I look forward to raising a glass in your honor and celebrating your life today with so many others who feel the same. Mariela will be with me, happily reminiscing about the good times we had at races like Lake Winnie. I won't forget the lessons you taught me as a friend and coach. I count on hearing your voice pushing me onward when all I want to do is stop. And I promise I'll up the mileage!

Greg

For several years, there was a band put together each year to perform at the Rounder Christmas party. One year Steve and I were together in the horn section. I dressed up considerably more than usual for the party, and he was wearing a snappy suit. We each complimented each other, and then he quoted the story about Miles Davis - after a gig someone raved about how well he had played. Davis replied - forget how I played - how did I look?

In the mid-1980s, Steve went to England, borrowing a road atlas from us. In return, he brought back a book about the Ridgeway path, which suggested hikes to take along it. I thought it was a great idea but didn't actually walk any of it until 2004. I don't think I told him that I'd kept this inspiration all that time, and I'm sorry I didn't mention it.

I had the privilege of knowing Steve as a fellow SRR member, coach, co-conspirator and co-founder of the IT Band. He’s left the building, but I still hear his voice on nearly every run; crusty, trademark encouragements like if you had that much left at the end you didn't run hard enough. Or what're you made of, tissue paper? My favorite: Hilary Gibson telling Steve she dry-heaved after finishing a race—and him congratulating her. You always knew there was fondness behind those digs. And a fair amount of truth. Like Nancy’s description of Steve as a cat who sometimes let you walk with him. But in true cat fashion he would, now and again, inadvertently show total joy at what he was doing right then. Case in point (and my favorite memory of Steve): seeing him light up during the first IT Band performance. Think Land of 1,000 Dances, then picture Steve playing a cream-colored guitar, in black from shoulders to soles, leaning against Dan Solomon and wearing the biggest damn grin you've ever seen in your life. Nice, eh?

I remember meeting Steve at the Thursday Night Fun Run many years ago. He must have seen some potential in us as we were drinking our beer, because after that he organized Tuesday Night track workouts. Due to his coaching, many SRR runners started setting PR's at local races and at Boston Marathon. One of my favorite memories of Steve was at the 24 Hour Relay Race in Wakefield. After 23 hours of running, Steve's team was in second place about 2 minutes behind the Irish American Track Club. Bob Ross took the last handoff for SRR and he had just one 3 mile loop left to make up the 2 minutes. Coach Steve decided to jog out to meet Bob with one mile to go. Steve used his quiet but direct coaching technique giving Bob only positive feedback. You're looking great, You can catch him etc. etc. Then Steve repeated to Bob Pump your arms and your legs will follow, Pump your legs and your arms will follow. This must have stuck in Bobs' head because with a big kick to the finish line he passed the IATC runner, giving SRR the win by less than 1 second. It was Steve's encouragement and coaching in that last mile that made the difference. I also saw the Race Director side of Steve. Being on the race committee of the Gobble, Gobble, Gobble, Steve's meetings were always organized with his Excel spreadsheets listing everyone's responsibilities etc. etc. The race was so successful that we were able to give more to the charities. As many of us have written here, Steve will continue to coach us on our future runs. He will be coaching me forever.
Steve Pepe

Reading others recollections of Steve brings back many memories and often introduce me to another part of Steve’s life. I got to know Steve best when he asked me to help with The Gobble. He and I often brought different ideas; I figure that is why he asked me. Just like in running we worked hard, we had fun and I learned a lot. Steve always seemed to be clear on what was most important then he chose to do it well, very well. I believe that is how Steve lived his life.

I was not one of Steve’s better running protégés yet we were friends anyway. He seemed to respect why I ran and helped me be a better runner. I have two memories of running with Steve, actually running with him. Once was during a blizzard, an email went out suggesting an impromptu long run. The mayor had already declared Boston in a state of emergency. Six of us showed up, one of which was Steve. This was clearly an ill-conceived idea of a serious long run and coach shows up? Steve decided to pace me up Bunker Hill – I was horrified, up a steep long hill and in knee deep snow? Steve later explained he had already done a 14 mile run that day and figured this might be a fun afternoon. That night, Channel 4’s weather background was Steve and Ray running under the snow covered Weeping Willow trees along the Charles River, thoroughly enjoying the moment. All of us just had fun that day, running together in a blizzard.

Another time, at Medford’s Run From The Sun 10K, I was at about mile 5 and there was Steve along the roadside cooling down. He jumps in next to me and starts coaching me to run harder, which I did. At mile 6 he drops back and says “You only have one more lap around the track to go – give it all you can.” I placed in my age group for the first time, he had already won his. Since that day, not a race goes by that I do not recall those words and think of Steve.

I feel fortunate to have had Steve as my friend & coach and I miss him. My heart goes out to Nancy and Steve’s family. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Not enough words can explain how much Steve means to me. So Super Sonic will keep this relatively brief. He told me I could, can and will achieve goals I never knew existed.Steve taught me the beauty of high mileage, hard work and self discipline.He gave me strength through support I never had and it will continue to be with me on every run.His love and dedication towards running and other people's success was infinite.Although he is not running along side me these days, he is still pushing me to keep on going.

In high school, at Acton Boxborough, I was the bass player in the James Kelly Blues Band with Steve playing rhythm guitar. Later, in 1971, we lived together in Troy, NH and tried, unsuccessfully, to put together an R&B band. We had other subsequent musical and miscellaneous adventures as well during the 70’s. Steve was dedicated to his music and worked hard in both bands. He was a very unique guy back then, old for his years and already a creature of habit – I never saw him eat anything but grilled cheese sandwiches, for instance. But he was certainly someone you could always count on to follow through when he made a commitment. As too often happens we got caught up in our own lives and lost touch. I had a brief opportunity to re-connect with Steve at our 30th high school reunion and have a picture of the Blues Band in remembrance of that event. I was very taken by the messages from the runners Steve engaged with, he clearly made a mark on our world and his passing leaves a gap. My condolences and best wishes to Steve’s family and friends.

My memories of Steve are much older and very different from most of yours. Steve was my guitar student. I remember many hours of great playing and his loose but focused approach to getting as much out his relationship with music as he could. He was much heavier in those days (we're talking late 70's here!), and had yet to dedicate so much of his life to running and providing inspiration to so many...My wife and I spoke of him many times in the past years, but sadly, as happens so much these days, we fell out of touch. I actually sold a prized Stratocaster to Steve (which I have regretted doing ever since), and I still remember our conversation about how he had to sell it some years later, and how much it had appreciated in value. He was a great guy, a great guitar player, a great student, and a great friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing, and our warmest thoughts go out to Nancy, his family, and all of you who were touched by his presence.

Steve was one of my outdoor track co-captains when I first arrived at Acton-Boxboro in '69- '70. He was a hard working and serious young man. I fondly remember him as one of the upper classmen who were dedicated to the sport. Back then he high jumped and pole vaulted and we actually won two meets that Spring whereas the school hadn't won any since inception in the mid fifties. It was too bad that they didn't offer cross country at AB until the Fall of '70. That XC team didn't lose a meet for the first three years. I wonder how good the team could have been with Steve running on the first few teams. I never knew of his potential for distance running. It is nice to know that he had such a great impact on people throughout his life time.

May he rest in peace,

Coach Dow

I would like to say this about Steve, that he was a great guy and it's so sad to see him gone. And a bit hard to comprehend. He always was healthy and avoided bad habits, so it makes no sense. I knew Steve from years at the record company. We had an excellent work relationship, and, I think good mutual regard, although it may not have been evident. Our thing was mutual teasing and putting down. Steve, you're ugly, Peter, how'd you come up w/ such a stupid idea and so forth. I missed seeing him at the end, to my regret. I feel for Nancy and wish her well too. I send my love. PETER.

If not for Steve, I likely would have quit running three years ago. His track workouts kept me motivated and inspired. Steve pushed me when I was complacent and encouraged me when I was too hard on myself. He was always quick to answer an email and his advice helped me improve a lot. Steve kept running fun and challenging and it won't be the same without him.

Hey Steve,

May God bless you Coach... Friend!

You were there to remind me to raise my head, turn my legs, and so much more… You shared the time when you yourself got back into running a marathon. You’d catch me all over town running and I felt proud to a part of all the great teams in Somerville, Wakefield, and Lake Winnie.

Thanks Steve Zig

I was a member of the 2004 Children's Hospital Marathon Team and was lucky enough to go on a few long runs with Steve and to keep in touch with him afterwards. Steve was probably one of the most down to earth people I have ever known, he genuinely took an interest in me and my 7 year old daughter, Olivia, for whom I was running; he is the type of person I wont forgot and I'm really thankful to have a great picture of Steve with Olivia and me the day prior to the 2004 marathon.

My heart and prayers go out to Steve's family during these sad and trying times ... As one often reflects back on earlier times in life, I always remember the experiences Steve and I shared. Whether it was school, sports (football and track) or our continual pursuit the fairer sex together (forvever immortalized by Ray Gallant at the football banquet our Senior year), Steve left an indeleible mark on my life. I was fortunate to re-kindle those memories with Steve at our 30th high school reunion in October of 2000. Steve and I grew up together in many aspects and I will always cherish his friendship. God Bless ....

I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Burton family. I remember Steve from my freshman year and I set my goals after him. I learned he received an E+++ from Coach Leary during football double sessions and no one ever received an E+, let alone an E+++. I can still see the faces of my brother and the old Plug (Ed V.) saying, look at this!!! Steve gave me inspiration to push myself when my body tells me to stop. I was amazed at his desire, hustle, and determination. He was an outstanding athlete and man.

Last year in April I went and saw the Boston marathon and promised myself that I would do it before I left Boston. I hadn't run seriously for years and was very unfit but I started training for it and joined a running club. It wasn't going to be easy to finish my thesis and run a marathon but Steve Burton, the coach, managed to keep tabs on my training though he was the coach for almost 50 people. Even though I was running only 2 days a week, he convinced me I could do it again and told me what pace to follow. I ran 2 marathons in the last year but his advice and encouragement is what kept me training through the winter and the stress of finish my Phd. Training for a marathon was also a great way for me switch off mentally from my thesis. I've left boston but finishing the boston marathon will always remain a great memory and it's all because of Steve.

Deepest sympathy to Steve's family and friends. I knew Steve in a different light than many of the messages posted. Steve was one of the best teamates I ever had. We played football together at Acton-Boxboro in 1968. I was a freshman & Steve a senior. We both played outside linebacker and he took me under his wing. A linebacker at 135-140 pounds, Steve played with great desire and character. He never stopped hustling and never backed down. Our paths have not crossed in many many years. However, once a team mate, always a team mate. Steve will be missed, but, he is one of the founders of a very proud football tradition here at Acton-Boxboro. His caring nature and need to help others does not surprise me. He was a fine man.

As I have been reading others memories of Steve, I am not supprised to see that we all knew the same giving and caring person. I joined SRR in 2000 after e-mailing back and forth with Steve on differant training questions, and as said before he was extremly helpful to me, even before joining SRR. He too was My Coch, yes the spelling is wrong , that is what I used to kid him about, anyone that listened to WEEI would understand.

My greatest memory of Steve is the 2001 24 hour race I was honored to be on his team and had the pleasure of spend 24 hours with him. You learn alot about people during such an event. The race ended with our team winning by one second what a wonderful experiance. At the end of the race Steve swore he would never spend the night with 5 smelly men in the same room sharing the same bed.

Steve's care were always about fellow runners not his own. Ask him a question about his running and he would turn it around and it would be your running he was more interested in.

God Bless you Steve, you are truely missed. My heart goes out to his family and especially Nancy.

I was an member of SRR for about a year. I've been running for 4 years. I live in Rhode Island so I didn't know many of the members and didn't run regularly with the club. Steve took the time meet me before my first Boston Marathon (2004) so I could get a team singlet. Even after leaving SRR Steve would e-mail me to congratulate me he saw the results of a good race I had. He always had good advice when I had a question about running. I always called him coach and he'll probably be my one and only coach as I continue my lifelong love affair with the sport that we both love so much. I ran into a SRR guy during a training run before the 2006 Boston Marathon and I heard that Steve wasn't doing well. I'm sad to hear that he's passed away and my thoughts are with those who knew him best. Thanks for everything coach!

STEVE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN, A TRUE ATHLETE, AND A VERY GIVING PERSON. JANICE AND I WILL MISS HIM. NANCY, OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU, AND THE SRR FAMILY.

There are certain moments in your life that become ingrained in your mind forever and last year’s Lake Winnespesaukee Relay was one of them for me. I was running on the Winner’s Circle male seniors’ team and Steve, of course, was on the SRR male seniors’ team. As faith would have it, Steve and I were both scheduled to run the sixth leg of the race. Strangely Steve and I rarely competed against each other over the years, but on this day we were both rivaling in the opportunity to go head-to-head.

Prior to the start of our leg both Steve and I went over the usual list of excuses; he was coming off a sore hamstring and I was coming off a sore Achilles. However the weather was perfect, the distance was perfect and the match- up was perfect so all excuses were tossed out the window. All that matter was the competition.

Steve left the Morgan Farm exchange about 90 seconds before I did. Although I had the utmost respect for Steve as a competitor and considered him a friend I had it in my mind I was going to do everything in my power to catch him. I had my friend Stan Klem head out on the course to give me updates on how many seconds Steve was ahead at each mile.

When I hit the first mile Stan yelled out to me “You gained 16-seconds.” This trend continued at mile two when Stan reported that I had gained another 5 seconds. Just as I passed the second mile, in the distance, I could see Steve’s silhouette. My target was in my sights and within my reach so I thought. I began doing the math. “Hmmm, lets see 21 seconds over 2 miles divided by two then multiplied by 6.4.” Quickly realizing it is impossible to do simple math and catch Steve Burton at the same time I quickly abandoned that exercise and just concentrated on running.

At about three miles the road began twisting and turning so I lost sight of Steve momentarily. By this time Stan headed to the finish so it was just Steve and I on the road. Remarkably I was feeling terrific and began picking up the pace. I calculated that I would reach Steve before the long straight away leading to the Moultonboro School.

When I finally made the final left towards the school Steve was nowhere in sight. My first thought was that he either went off course or dropped out. When I reached the exchange point there was Steve watching and smiling. We quickly compared notes and determined that we both ran about the same time. However the time didn’t matter because it was the competition that made the day glorious and memorable. So when I think of Steve Burton I will certainly remember Coach Burton, I’ll also remember Race Director Burton, and, of course, I’ll remember Team Captain Burton but most of all I’ll remember Steve Burton the runner and how on one perfect day, on a perfect course, at a perfect time, we both ran the perfect race.

My favorite memory will always be the 2005 James Joyce Ramble. My wife Lee was very early in her first pregnancy and we both agreed not to tell anyone for another month or two -- not even our parents. As Lee crossed the finish line the first people she saw (as always!) were Steve and Nancy. Afraid that her slower than expected time would be disappointing to Steve, Lee went right over to him and delivered the news: I was slow but I have a good excuse...I'm pregnant. I couldn't believe my ears. So as it turned out I was the first person to know my wife was pregnant...and Steve was the second!

I met Steve many years ago at Tufts University coaching the Somerville Road Runners. I belonged to the IATC and at the time the clubs were definitely unfriendly rivals. I know that Steve had a big part in changing those perceptions and bad feelings. By his example he showed us that friendly competition was the way to improve yourselves and by competing hard but graciously every one could come out on top. Steve was even kind enough in 2002 to coach us in the indoor season when our club didn't have a coach. And when I say he coached us he coached us. He made us feel a part of the group and treated us just as though we were members of the SRR. It was an honor for some our runners to wear the badges honoring Steve at the Boston Marathon in April; just as it is an honor this memorial on the SRR website for Steve. Steve was a class act all the way and our hearts go out to Steve, Nancy, the SRR gang, and all those who knew him.

I met Steve, like must of us, at track. But it wasn't until the Cape Cod Marathon that I really saw what we was about. The day before what would be my first marathon, Steve rang my doorbell, bright and early. He want to give me the srr singlet I had purchased at Khoury's (there were none in his car on that thurs), before I left for the cape. He wish me luck in the race and said he'd see me down there.

While running the Cape Cod Marathon, which as many of you know does not have people cheering for you every step of the way, Steve cheered me on in about five different places. Those empty miles were filled with the idea that Steve might be around the corner. And that kept me going.

When I sign up for the races I failed to put my club membership. So when my name was not mentioned among SRR finishers, Steve sent out a email to make sure I was add to the list.

I may have only known Steve for a short time, but I feel blessed to have known him at all.

I did not know Steve through running but we did play softball together for 7 years. Comments about his competitiveness hold true for the way Steve played short field; he robbed many batters of sure hits and RBI's, often making highlight reel spectacular catches, diving and somersaulting. Steve and I worked together at Rounder Records beginning in 1985 and in the mid- 90's, we attempted to start our own record label. Many of the postings by runners capture some of Steve's essence. One story I read made me chuckle: Steve running backwards as fast as runners going forwards. Do you know who likely inspired him to do that? Steve and I laughed hysterically when we first heard the story: #33, Larry Legend, the ultimate team player, Celtics Captain Larry Bird liked his beer after a game. Back in the 1985/86 season, the Celtics were arguably the greatest NBA team ever assembled, the year of Championship #16. Bird liked his beer after a game. Drinking down in Faneuil Hall, Bird was accosted by a loudmouth Tufts runner who bet him $50 he could beat him in a race around the Tufts track. Bird was one of the most competitive athletes of all time and wouldn't back down from the bar bet. At the track, Bird beat the guy handily... runing backwards. Bird, certainly making a decent wage, was also notoriously cheap, and took the $50. Steve was someone who could appreciate Bird's unwillingness to part with one thin dime. I was privileged to have known Steve, to have had him as a friend. One of my favorite times with Steve was going to the old Garden together to see a Celtics game the night DJ's (Dennis Johnson) number was retired. In many ways, Steve was the quintessential Man's Man but above all else, Steve was one of the most decent people I have ever known.

I have only been lucky enough to have known steve for a few years through the SRR. I was always impressed by his dedication. There are more than a few moments of Steve that I'll never forget-one that sticks in my mind was during a workout. It was raining pretty hard, and Steve had planned a workout on a hill in Arlington. Not content to just tell us what to do, and wait in his car for the rain to stop, Steve was out on the side of the hill, with a little umbrella above his head. I had trouble staying in the workout, but when I saw him out there, I figured if he can sit in the rain, the least I can do is run.

His quiet demeanor really meant a lot to me, and I'm sure countless other runners. He did not intimidate or scare anyone away from running. He always was willing to listen to your running trials and tribulations. He will be missed.

my memory of steve and nancy was at the Stowe 8 miler. I was trying to keep going and felt really lousy, and there at the corner were steve and nancy telling me I looked great!!!!!!!!keep going you can do it...and I did...thanks

To Steve's family & friends: I am deeply sorry for your loss. I, like so many others, was helped by Steve during a difficult time in my life.

I joined SRR in January of 05 hoping to train & run a fall marathon. A month or so later my eight year old daughter Gracie was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes ( a disease my mother died way to early of.) My running asperations were put on hold as my family struggled to adjust to the new demands of my daughter's illness but by mid summer I was back running & by August I decided to run New York to raise money for a diabetes cure. There was no way I could have run New York & finished without Steve's help. Because of Steve my daughter Gracie was waiting for me at the finish line & I was able to meet her there no worse for the wear. I got to be her hero (at least that day) even though I can't make the diabetes go away.

A week or so before I learned Steve was sick I told him how much I appreciated his help over the last few months & through his encouragment I raised over $20,000 & exercised some demons away. He was delighted to have helped even though he humbly took no credit. But I knew better & believed then & believe now that Steve helped me though a very difficult time.

Although I knew Steve only a short time he will forever have my admiration, gratitude & respect.

I first met Steve in November of 2004 as I prepared for my first marathon, running for Children's Hospital Boston. For weeks and then months I peppered him with calls and e-mails regarding our training and preparation; Steve promptly and courteously responded to each with care, attention and enthusiasm. Steve made me feel as if I were his only student. This coupled with his knowledge and constant encouragement has created yet another long distance runner. Thank you Steve, Fortitudine Vincimus.

I met Steve several years ago at Tufts Indoor Track facility. I was not a member of SRR but he let me use the facility a few times a year when I was stuck for a place to run. I will always remember him as a very gracious person who was always willing to help. I remember once at BU I needed someone to give me splits...and there was Steve....more than willing...and offering encouragement the whole time. He will be missed but his memory will live on forever in the running community. May he rest in peace.

I wasn't around long enough to really get to know Steve, but hearing the news was hard. A fond memory for me was during a long run on the Cape. The run itself was brutal, but afterward I remember hanging out with Steve and Nancy. We went for milkshakes. Both of them welcomed me as if I had known them forever. The feeling with them was so calm and peaceful. I'll never forget it. My thoughts go out to Nancy and I'll hold on even more tightly to the precious lessons Steve taught.

Steve was one of my favorite people in the running community. I was extremely sad to hear of his passing. The first time I saw Steve I knew that he was a great leader. Seven years ago I joined the IATC and on Tuesday nights we shared the Tufts' track with members of the SRR. Steve was the coach and you could feel the positive energy coming from the SRR camp 100 yards away. As the various groups of SRR would workout on the track, it was Steve who stood out. His drive and swift, beautiful stride totally inspired me and as I watched him, I became aware of how badly I wanted to be a competitor again.

I admired Steve's talent, determination and dedication. I had enormous respect for his vast knowledge of running. And I related to his deep love for the sport. But what I'll remember most about Steve is his calm presence, his caring nature and genuineness, and the incredible gift he had of making you feel special, like you truly mattered. Thank you, Steve, for touching my life. I shall miss you. My heartfelt condolences go out to Nancy, Steve's friends and family, and the SRR.

Deepest, deepest sympathy to Stephen's mother and father, sister and brother-in-law and to his companion, Nancy. He'll always have a special place in my heart.

One time during a track work out, I remember complaining to Steve about how sore I was. I explained to him that I had run 5 miles the day before. Steve nodded knowingly and encouraged me to take it easy, or even sit out if I needed the rest. Later, as I watched him lead the pack for another sprint around the track, I learned from a fellow runner that Steve had already run 12 miles that very morning! I remember admiring him tremendously at that moment--NOT because he had run 12 miles and was still able to dominate the track (okay, well that too), but I admired him because he hadn't felt the need to trump my petty complaints. That was Steve. A quietly dignified and humble soul.

My wife and I have known Steve ever since we moved into the apartment above him twenty-five years ago. Through the years we would see each other coming and going stopping to chat with each other. We would always know when Steve was going away as we would get a note asking us to take in his mail. He would always reciprocate when we were away. Steve was usualy quite except when playing his bass guitar or the saxaphone. As I too was a musician I never minded when Steve would practice. I would get him back by playing my tuba.

We admired Steve's commitment to running being his neighbor's for twenty-five years we got to see him run alot.

We are really sorry that we didn't really get to say good- bye to Steve as he wasn't around that much after he got sick. He will be missed by us all. My families thoughts and prays are with his family and his loved ones.

Dave, Deb & Danielle

I think Steve was a great person he was all ways with us if we needed a ride for a race and he did alot of other things beside running I will miss Steve Burton very much and I wish Nancy and his family the best of luck!

I'll remember Steve as a true gentleman and an inspiration to every level of runner. He personified grit and determination in achieving what he did in his age group. My most enduring memory is of him running backwards while keeping pace with a group of us at track, all the while urging us to try harder. He was gracious and generous and only ever gave his undivided attention.

May he rest in peace.

Steve was an amazing person who gave so much. I'm so sad to hear about his passing but so happy to be able to share his memory. He touched a lot of lives and his family and friend should be so proud of his accomplishments and giving. Thank you Steve for everything and GOD Bless you.

Having the opportinity to meet Steve in 2002 I have been blessed to be one of the many people he touched through running. He was a tremendous motivator and coach to all levels of runners. Through his leadership and affability he brought out the most in all of us. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, Coach will be missed greatly.

The picture that is up on the SRR website is so fitting. In reading through the other memories people have of Steve, a common thread is how self-less he was as a runner and as a coach. In the picture, from the 2003 Cape Cod Marathon, he is poining at Sam Eid; as if to say, take his picure, he's the man. Of course, on that day, Steve was THE MAN. He won his age group and ran the best qualifying time of anyone in his age group in the state for the year. Steve always cared more about how you were doing than about his own goals. I remember a long run Steve and I did together about a month before the 03 Cape Cod. I met him on the Minuteman Bike Path at 5:30 in the morning. We ran the entire path together. I thought it would be a brutal run so early in the morning. It was one of the few times I've seen the sun come up while running. It turned out to be a great run. We talked the whole way and we were back in Arlington before I knew it. I didn't know Steve for that long, but I'm sure that I'll remember him forever. My thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and with Steve's family.

I am at a loss for words... Steve would tell me right now to get off the couch and go for a run! But I can not help but cry as I think about what a good friend the SRR family has lost. I am amazed at how Steve has made each one of us feel like we were so special to him. He believed in each one of us and found the time to be a coach and a true friend. How did one man have the time to love and care for all of us! I am thankful to have his words of wisdom in my heart and hope I will continue to grow into the runner that Steve knew I could be. We miss you dearly.

I first met Steve when I came to the SRR track workouts back in 2000. I had looked around at a lot of clubs in the area and I immediately liked the fact that he wasn´t some overbearing presence who thought he needed to force motivation on you. He knew that it comes from within and cannot be coached.

I appreciated how he always loved to learn about the sport and his willingness to try out the methods he was suggesting. His philosophy, as I took it seemed pretty simple: Look at what the best runners do and emulate them. That experimentation is what led him to some ridiculously fast times. You always felt confident with Steve´s workouts because you knew that he´d done them too.

The best coaches help you achieve your goals not theirs. They do the detail work to get the minor impediments to running out of the runner´s way. Most of all, they never forget that we do this because we love it (or at least, how it makes us feel afterwards!). The do all this because they are fans of the sport.

That was Steve

I first met Steve back in the early 90's when Khoury's Thursday night races first began. This was before he developed superhuman running powers. We had fun, really competitive races every week. Steve, Frankie Keane, Tom O'Donoghue, Larry Horlick, Manny Arruda, myself and others would fight it out every week. We we all so close in ability that any one of us could beat the others and laugh about the race afterward. I loved those nights. Now I'm going to be looking for Steve at all those New England races where he was always there, at his chosen vantage point with Nancy at his side. What will it be like to not see him on the course at Stowe, or Boston, or the Eastern States? It just won't ever be the same.I miss you Steve.

Steve Burton - one very special individual. My first encounter with Steve was the infamous Khoury's run. I had never run with SRR before, didn't know the course and at one point was totally on my own not knowing if I was on the right course or not. Just when I thought I would have to re-trace my steps, Steve runs up beside me, asks me if I know where I'm going to which I sheepishly reply No and then made me run hard and fast all the way to the finish line! He asked if I was a member of a running club and if not to join SRR. I did there and then and haven't regretted it. He crafted a personalized training plan for my first ever marathon last year and I succesfully completed it in the time predicted thanks to Steve's help and committment to believe in yourself.My sincere condolences go to Nancy and the Burton family. He truly will never be forgotten.

Steve was a no-nonsense kind of guy. He wouldn't yell or shout; he'd just tell you matter-of-factly what you needed to do to improve yourself. Steady encouragement was a staple, but praise was not given lightly. When he congratulated you, you knew you had earned it, and that made it worth something.

He gave the same consideration to any runner-- of any ability-- who sought his advice. Despite himself being a driven, outstanding athlete, Steve downplayed his own achievements and gave generously and tirelessly of his knowledge, time, and energy to the club and running community as a whole. While I have memories of him watching us as we toiled around the track or appearing at nearly every turn in a race to encourage us, I most admire his dedication to the club and events like the Somerville Homeless Coalition 5K and Mill Cities Relay, activities that make the running community stronger.

As many have written, after a race, Steve made it clear that you deserved the accolades because you were the one who had made the sacrifices, put in the training, and run every step, not him. That's because he wanted each of us to be the best runner that we could be. Even if we doubted ourselves, he knew that we had it in us, and he knew that once we realized this, anything was possible.

We just needed to convince ourselves.

He made us do it.

Thanks, Coach.

I had the privilege of having Steve as my coach through SRR, and through the Children's Hospital Marathon Team (Miracles for Miles). Steve provided running advice, training plans, scheduled/supported group long runs, and cheered all of these runners on too. Sometimes Steve ran with us on the long runs. I remember a day in January 2005, I ran 17 miles with Steve and another Children's runner. We were running much slower than Steve's pace. He didn't mind it all, in fact when the other runner lagged behind, he suggested we wait for her to catch up. He said he didn't like to see runners running so close to one another but not together. Throughout the run Steve chatted and offered advice on qualifying for Boston and directing the 24 Hour race. It was one of the only times going up Heartbreak Hill seemed easy to me.

In addition to coaching the Children's Team, Steve also ran the Boston Marathon in honor of a Children's Hospital patient. Steve had been paired with his patient for the last 3 Boston Marathons. This year since Steve was not able to run the marathon, I asked him if he would allow me to run on his behalf in honor of his patient partner, Will. Steve accepted my offer and gave me my greatest honor as runner and a person. Children's supplied us with these photo wristbands to use to wear during the marathon for motivation. Will's mom supplied me with a great photo of Will & Steve together. This year, I ran almost all of the Boston Marathon with Adena. When we got to HeartBreak Hill, I told Adena that in all of the years I had run Boston, I had never made it to the top without stopping. As we climbed the hill, Adena started pulling ahead. When I felt like stopping, I looked down at my wrist and saw Steve and Will smiling, and ran right up the rest of the hill. I caught up with Adena and told her I made it. I ran my best Boston Marathon this year. It meant more to me than I can say to be able to run for Steve and just give a little bit back in return for all that he has given. I will continue to run in Steve's memory and Will's honor.

I last saw Steve right before the Boston Marathon at the Children's Hospital pre-marathon reception. Steve was presented the Katie Lynch Award and got up to say a few words. This is what he said, What I would I like to say, without appearing ungrateful, is that this not really my award. It is award for ALL of you. And in closing, This truly is your award, I am only a small part of the bigger picture and proud to be a part of it. So quintessential Steve. I shared a table at the reception with Steve & Nancy. Runner after runner came up to Steve and thanked him for his coaching. I heard one woman tell him she saved all of his emails on training for Boston from 2005 and was used them to train again this year. It was wonderful to see Steve and Nancy - they closed the place down. On Marathon Day, many of the Children's runners also wore the Running for the Coach bibs. Steve touched many lives and I am grateful that mine was one them.

During warm up for my first SRR track workout, I was emphatically told “Steve will make you a better runner.” I was immediately privy to Steve’s accessibility and coaching prowess, having known him only a handful of months before he became ill. I can only imagine how those who have know him for years feel. My last words to Steve, as I crossed the finishing line at Khoury’s in December : “Steve, PR!” He seemed amused by it.

Steve was one of the first people I met in SRR, way back in '98 when I went to a track workout at Tufts after having just recently moved to Boston. I credit him for coaching me along to finally achieve my goal of coming in under three hours in the marathon at Boston in 2000 after 16 failed attempts (first and only time). I'm in his debt for the support that he (and so many others) gave me during my stint as president, which meant more to me than I think he ever knew. I feel a deep emptiness without him.

My heart reaches out to Nancy, Steve's family and close friends. I am truely saddened by our loss, but realize that we are the lucky ones who were touched by his life. I have only been a member of SRR for 3 years, and realize how lucky I was to find the club when I did and to be coached by the best.

I was always amazed while running a race to hear and see Nancy and Steve cheering me on. Most of the other club members would be finished relaxing and reviving, but Steve and Nancy would wait and cheer on all of us.

And I know I am not the only who after an out of town race or the rare race where they were not there, could think of little else after the race, than reporting my little victory to Steve - that was part of the fun of a good race. I know I will keep running races with the thought of making him proud in my head.

Rest in peace, Steve.

Steve brought out the best in people. He made you want to do well, for yourself, for your team, for running, and for him. He’d deflect the last part, but that didn’t change it. Like everybody else, I knew he took pleasure in seeing others improve. He’d trade emails to no end on training plans, thoughts, worries, whatever. He was a great motivator at Tufts, and showed up at all sorts of races, giving words of true encouragement.

Just after he turned 50, Steve won the Arlington 5k. He ran a great race and great time, on a hot, humid day, and won by a pretty wide margin. I still can’t decide if I enjoy more the pride I take that he won my town’s race, or how hard he tried to deflect the praise he received for winning.

Steve was a Coach For All Runners. He had infinite patience for both the fleet of feet and the rest of us. Still, I know I vexed Steve a bit. I run most of my races pushing a jogging stroller, and I have an odd fascination with the Mt. Washington race (one he doesn’t share). But I tried to do the USATF races, all-out, stroller-free, because I knew he cared about those races and wanted to see SRR have a good showing. The USATF courses can be hot and shadeless, in faraway places. And, since so much talent shows up for these races, on a really good day I still may finish below the middle of my age group. But I knew he wanted the club to shine there, and it seemed a way to try to do something to show appreciation for someone hard to do things for.

Sunday June 4 was a USATF race day. It had been weeks since I’d seen Steve at the Cambridge City Run. But as we drove down to Rhode Island, one of the things I was saying in the car was that I needed to get my head into this race, because Steve would be scanning the USATF race results, and that I wanted him to see it and be pleased. I PR’ed, which was nice, but I didn’t hit my “Steve target” time, and I was already thinking about trying to hit it for Whirlaway when I got the news I wasn’t ready for.

I worked with Steve at Rounder Records for seven years, from 1988-95. He was the epitome of a nice guy: low-key but friendly, with a good sense of humour and a genuine interest in other people. He hardly ever talked about himself -- his ego was barely discernible, which was a welcome change from lots of other folks. He also had a vast knowledge of music and, in my opinion, excellent musical taste. But his mellow disposition and warm smile were his key features. It was comfortable to hang out with him because there was no pressure or phoniness emanating from him. He made you feel relaxed in his presence. I didn't know Steve as a runner or coach, but after reading all of the messages posted here I feel like I have a good idea of what he was like in those capacities. He was the same Steve I knew, only dedicated to another passion. His interest in others was amplified greatly, and his encouragement and generosity of spirit made a big impact on people. That's a nice legacy to leave behind, beyond the miles and the sweat and the injuries. He actually touched people's lives, acknowledged their hard work and progress, and made them feel special. I want to be like Steve when I grow up. May the fond memories people have of Steve stay with them forever and inspire them. And may Steve's family and Nancy find some peace of mind in knowing that he made a positive impact on so many people. He was a good man, and that means a lot.

-- Mark Cadigan

I am still in denial about this. I just read it on the website and I knew Steve was sick but because he was a very private person, I had no idea he was this sick. I am truly so sorry for his passing to his friends, partner, and family. I am so grateful truly felt a gift to have known Steve. I knew nobody in SRR a few years when i came around and he welcomed me and gave me unlimited advice on running, a sport that seemed to come so natural to him - as natural as his coaching people. I was not lucky enough to be coached by him but used his online training workouts as a guide to my running. Generous comes to mind in the kind of man he was. The running community has lost an incredible athlete and his family friends and partner will be in my thoughts. Goodbye Steve - we will miss you alot.

I only met Steve Burton a few times and was only really starting to get to know to him right before his illness. The first time I met him was in some of the races that I ran when I first began to resuming my running career after an absence of several years. One race in particular stands out in my memory: the January 2004 Boston Prep race in Derry, NH. At the time, my running had improved significantly in the course of a few months. I saw Steve at the race and figured I'd be able to stick with him since he was 51 and I was 26. I stuck with him for a few miles before finishing several minutes in back of him! Steve went on to finish in the top 10 in a race that was brutally cold and on a difficult course. It was an impressive run. He not only won the seniors' division but also beat everyone in the 40+ category as well. Clearly he had a lot of talent and a lot of expertise to pull off a performance like that.

In late 2005, I got to know Steve a bit better before he got sick. In November, I signed up for the SRR winter track workouts and remember talking with Steve for about an hour about what kind of training might be best suited for me. I was coming off hamstring and calf injuries. He was very willing to sit and listen to my running issues. He seemed to invest similarly in other runners and demonstrated that he really cared about everyone improving regardless of innate ability. I joined SRR soon after that. While it's still a great club, he was the heart and soul of it for a long time and will surely be missed.

A note of appreciation to all who are writing such wonderful things about Steve. You are helping us to know and understand a part of Steve's life we were not familiar with. The support of friends and Nancy's loving care gave Steve a quality of life during these last few months that he otherwise could not have known. Thank You

I remember last year while training for a marathon I had gone to the Sunday Marathon Sports long run in brookline, proudly wearing the black and gold. None other than Steve Burton and Nancy show up and explain that he was there to see off the kids he was coaching. He would then rush down to new Bedford to see the SRR contingent running. He seemed to be everywhere you turned (and even multiple times on the same course) and involved in every event.

He was one of the most giving people ive ever known and never ever asked for anything in return other than to see you run your best. Time and time again Steve gave in one form or another. Steve was a great man, and SRR is blessed to have known him. We will not forget his lessons. I know I think of him every time I am struggling through a race – ill think of the struggles he has been through and how much easier running must be. He really embodied the essence of SRR.

The best way to honor Steve, in my opinion, is to get out there and set your self a goal and do it!!

I am so saddened by Steve's passing. I worked with him at Rounder back in 1998 when I was first starting to pick up running. It didn't matter that I was slow as molasses out there - Steve was interested in my progress, enthusiastically encouraged me, and answered all my requests for advice. I didn't own a sports watch at the time and one day he just showed up with one as a gift for me. It was so thoughtful and sweet and it really touched my heart. I jokingly referred to him as my Unofficial Coach which made him laugh. Steve and Nancy cheered for me at my first half-marathon and ran with me for part of one of my long marathon training runs along the Charles.

I moved away from Boston and went on to complete marathons and long distance triathlons, touching base with Steve every so often and he was always unfailing in his encouragement and support. I still have the watch he gave me. Wherever Steve is now, I hope he is feeling the unending beauty of running without the constraints of the body that failed him. I'll miss you, dear friend.

Steve lived with a quiet grace and dignity, never talking much about himself, always playing his cards close to the vest. The most animated I ever remember seeing Steve was his one and only trip to run the Mt. Washington Road Race in 2001. It was disgustingly hot, around 90 at the base of the mountain. He ran well (as always) but said after he hated the race, and vowed never to do it again.

He finished 212 of 650 men and 248 of 887 overall, and 31 of 129 in his age group, on a hot gross day and in his first try at tackling the beast. His results (for 7.6 miles, at average 11 % grade):

M4549 1:42:11 13:27 STEPHEN BURTON 49 M MEDFORD MA SOMERVILLE ROAD RUNNERS

I am sure this is the only race where he averaged 13 minute miles! He also helped the team finish strong, placing second on the team behind the lead ringer we pulled in, Bill Lapsley, and just ahead of the unstoppable Dave McGillivray. You also notice the huge drop in time on the team to when Mike Quinn and I finally conquered the hill. The team results:

SOMERVILLE ROAD RUNNERS 1:39:41 1:42:11 1:46:54 1:56:49 2:02:31 = 9:08:06 BILL LAPSLEY, STEPHEN BURTON, DAVE MCGILLIVRAY, JOHN GORVIN, MICHAEL QUINN

Later that day my wife and I had a nice dinner with Nancy and Steve, a memory I will always cherish.

Since that June day, Steve and I talked a lot about training and racing, and I learned more from him in the last five years than I figured out in the previous 15 years on my own. I can still hear him recite his mantras “miles miles miles” and “hills hills hills”. I will always remember what I have learned from Steve, and when I run Mt. Washington next weekend, I will run to the clouds in memory of him and our one time running there as teammates fresh in my mind.

Steve Burton was like no other coach I’ve ever had. Steve coached high mileage, smart recovery, long intervals with short rest, hard long runs, realistic short- and long-term goal setting, and he used scientific charts and formulas. He also said that there is an art to racing. We all know that there is an art to coaching too, and that Steve had a signature style we’ll always miss.

Three years ago Steve welcomed me to the Tuesday night track workouts before I was a member of the club. A lot of us have similar stories. I didn’t know anyone yet and I was just getting back into shape after a two-year hiatus. Steve shared his time, experience, and wisdom with everyone who sought him out. He helped me get back into competitive running.

Steve had an extraordinary passion for running and runners at every stage of development. I’ll never know how he fit so much coaching and volunteering and cheering into weeks when he was logging 90 miles or more, or actively rehabbing an injury. He also somehow responded insightfully to every email, contributed to the running message boards, and read every new and old book on the subject.

The night before my first Boston Marathon I called him in a panic over the race day forecast – sunny and in the 70’s. Steve invited me over to Nancy’s home that night so I could exchange my worn black singlet for a new gold one that would reflect the sun. He also took my energy drink, to hand back at the SRR water tent. He calmed my nerves and reminded me to believe in the training.

This year at Boston I thought I heard him at the water tent again, but it was my imagination. Out on the roads this summer and into the future, I’ll be listening for him.

Thank you for everything, Steve.

Whenever I think of Steve, I think of him and Nancy blanketing races with applications for whatever important race was coming in the weeks and months ahead. Whenever I found a race application on my windshield, I knew they were close by. I learned from his example, and he set it high as a race director. I was never destined to be a great runner, but Steve always knew when you were having a good run and complemented you after in his own quiet way. He was a class act, a true gentleman.

My heart goes out to Steve's Family and Friends. Steve is one of the very few people that I can say made a lasting impression, like your favorite teacher in high school...someone you will never forget. I can remember almost every race, hill, speed workout that I have run with Steve. Each time, Steve was always there with kind words of encouragement. Steve, you will be missed, and in every stride, you will be remembered!

I’m angry. And more than a bit lost.

There’s a Steve Burton-sized hole in my life, and nothing will be able to fill it. Steve and Nancy were always there, at races, track, long runs, social events, club meetings – everything. And they always made things better by being there.

My archetypical Steve Burton story comes from 2004. I was running the Vermont 100, which was the same weekend as the Stowe USATF race. Steve and Nancy stopped by on the way up to Stowe to try and find me on the course and cheer me on. They didn’t find me, not surprising when the race course consists of a hundred miles of dirt roads and mountain trails. That had to have been annoying and more than a little frustrating. Anyhow, next year I went back to try again. And they did too.

I’ve got lots of other memories of time with Steve. Riding around Lake Winnipesaukee, running and cheering on the SRR teams. Standing around Khoury’s comparing hamstring injuries or chatting while running a loop whenever Steve would slow down to my pace (though comparing my stride to Dave LaValle classic form while Dave glided by at the top of Winter Hill was harsh :- ). Plotting how to win the 2001 24 Hour relay, then celebrating when the team won by 2 seconds. Running by Steve after he’d pulled up lame at Martha’s Vineyard, then seeing him three more times on the course cheering everyone on when a normal person would be off pouting. Talking about life and changes after my divorce. Listening to him get excited about a new runner’s potential or a long-time runner meeting a special goal.

Steve took great pleasure in helping everybody. You didn’t have to be a great runner to get Steve’s attention. If you wanted a training plan, all you had to do was ask, and you’d get a plan crafted to help you meet your personal goals. He’d help everyone, but he was especially interested in working with the more gifted runners. That’s where the challenge was – it’s easy to get an average runner to improve (more miles!), but to figure out how to fine tune training for someone who’s already near their peak was where Steve could not only help someone, but learn more himself.

He was as competitive as anyone, and more able to back it up than most. But he was always willing to help a competitor get better, because he was a good person, and because he realized that the competition wasn’t just about who won, but how you went about striving to win.

Probably the greatest honor I’ve received as a runner was the year I won the SRR’s most improved runner award, because that meant that Steve thought I was doing well. It was easy to figure out how to get Steve’s approval as a runner. It just wasn’t that easy to do. All you had to do was follow his example and put your whole heart and soul into becoming better than you were yesterday. It’s been a good run, Steve. Rest in peace.

I had the pleasure of meeting Steve at many running events. He was always enjoyable to speak to and was a true ambasador to the sport of running. You will truly be missed in the Boston Running Community. My best to the entire Burton family.

Best Regards,

David Sullivan Head Coach Athletics East

My deepest condolences to the Burton family and Nancy. Steve was truly a kind man and a tough competitor. I'll never forget Lake Winny 4 years ago. Steve put me on the 1st leg on the A team, and put himself on 1st leg B team. At around 7 miles, Steve came upon me doubled over on the side of the road. He advised me to take my time and he would get me through the last 3 miles, sacraficing his race. Thanks Steve, you'll be truly missed.

Having gone to the 'dark side' of road cycling 2+ years ago and not being part of SRR I had no idea Steve was ill. I will miss knowing he is in the world. My heart goes out to Nancy. My favorite Steve memory was doing Hill repeats at Tufts. I thought he kept saying ease up, ease up, which I thought was great - but, unfortunately he was shouting Knees up! Knees up - BURCHELL

i would like to send my condolences to steve's family and to nancy .. i just want to say that there very few people that can say they made a difference in there lives and steve was one of the very few that did ..steve was a great coach and even greater man... thanks for everything.. you'll be missed

in the last 6 years, i have done at least a hundred races, and it was rare not to hear steve's voice urging me on. he was so kind, and always interested in whatever race you were training for. i can't recount how many times i saw steve and nancy at a race cheering friends from the running community on-it just seemed like they were both always there. i remember steve and nancy doing my first long run with me at 24 hour, generously getting up so we could run at 5.30 in the morning....and they did lap after lap with me.... his spirit and his words will certainly inspire all who knew him.

I met Steve in 1966, when we were both new kids in eighth grade in Acton. Steve came from California, then the center of the teenage universe, and was very cool. (I was never cool, which Steve kindly confirmed for my son a few years ago.) Even back in 1966, Steve had competed in track for some time, doing many events including pole vault, and in high school he mostly ran hurdles and did the high jump - the old style, before Fosbury, as shown in the photo from our yearbook that was recently posted. Steve also started on defense on our football team and was a tough competitor at everything. We shared many classes and knew each other well. After graduation, he pursued his passion for music and I went my own way, but our paths crossed now and again.

I had always wanted to run track, but there was no track for girls back then. (We were too delicate for long distance running. Hah!) I did run for some time in the seventies until the arthritis in my knees took me out. Then, about six years ago, I began running again, having found a way to manage my knee problems. I then discovered I also have structural problems in my feet that cannot be repaired. I was discouraged and contacted Steve, who encouraged me to train intelligently, add distance slowly, persist and see if I could manage the pain. This slow approach was exactly the right thing for me. Much to my shock, I turned out to be moderately competitive and Steve encouraged me to work hard because he believed I could do better. When I moved back here, I began to enter more races at more different distances. Each time I did well, he would grin and say, I knew you could do it. Now get back to work, you should do (fill in the blank) race next and it is only X weeks away. And if I did not do as well as expected, he would suggest things I could change in my training so I would achieve my goals and still tell me to get ready for that next race. He understood intuitively how to get the best from me. Is that not the description of a great coach?

While he was so ill this spring, I would speak with him on occasion and ask how he was. He always answered briefly and changed the subject to world events, what he was reading, a movie he had seen, and, inevitably, to running. He told me he felt he had lived a good life, the life he wanted to live and that he was content. I will miss him always.

Steve was an inspirational runner and coach and, more importantly, a very good man. In one sense he went much too early. I miss his presence more than I can express or understand.

I'm old, slow, and can't make it to track or Khourys, but Steve was always ready and willing to help me. He answered all my questions and calmed me down when I would start to panic. Through his advice and encouragement, I can run marathons and races such as the Boston Prep and Stu's. Thank-you so much Steve....

I am very sad to hear of Steve's passing, I know that he was there for me during the lowest time of my life.Also, the fact that he along with Nancy and Joe O'Leary provided me with enthusiasm when I needed it the most.Furthermore, I learned by watching people like Steve,Nancy,and Joe that it is better to give than to receive.Moreover,the world would be a better place with more people like Steve Burton around. Sincerly yours in running, always Lou Ristaino

Now that Steve is gone I can’t help but think back to all those times when Steve was around and I didn’t really talk to him. I always felt like I was somehow disappointing him by not running to my full potential or putting in the miles he said I needed to put in. I think I also took for granted how he was always around, at track, at Khoury’s, at various races around town, at all the club meetings, and at the Gobble race director meetings. There was so much I didn’t know about Steve’s life. I do remember asking him at track one day if he missed running when he was so busy coaching us and the Children’s Hospital and he told me he still ran, but at another time when he “wouldn’t embarrass himself with his slower than usual pace.” That was Steve, he never wanted anyone in the club to see him running when he wasn’t at his best. I feel like I owe it to him now to really put the effort in. Steve, I will run more mileage and I promise you, I will qualify for Boston soon! Thank you for all the time and effort you put into our club and for pushing us to reach our goals. You will truly be missed.

After my first marathon last spring, I wrote a slew of friends about my experience. I ran a miserable race, and unfortunately missed qualifying for Boston by 26 seconds. Most of my friends offered words of praise and congratulated me on a strong first marathon. Unlike the others, Steve wrote back, your race was really over at about mile 5 as you used up valuable glycogen stores that you could have used around mile 22. He then helped me to understand what I could have done better, and he even wrote a marathon training plan for my next marathon. Sticking to his advice, I qualified for Boston two weeks ago at VCM.

For me this epitomizes Steve. He was going to ultimately tell you what you needed to hear, and he'd do anything he could to help you achieve your best.

Steve, you were the best coach I've ever had the privelege of running with/for, and I'm running Boston in 2007 for you.

My first encounter with Steve came about 3 or 4 years ago, well before I met him. I had just run my first leg at the 24-hour relay around Lake Quannapowitt, and was approached by Charlie Kelley, who asked how I had done. I told him that I had run hard, neck and neck for most of the time with some guy who looked a little younger than me, and that I out-kicked him at the very end. Charlie put his arm around me, and said, "Dan, that was Steve Burton. You were doing 3.1 miles. He was doing a marathon. You will never beat Steve Burton head to head in the same race."

The next time I know that I raced against Steve was on July 4th, 2005, in a five mile race in Concord. I passed him at mile 1, spent the rest of the race passing others, running in fear that he was going to blow by me in the last 100 yards, and was quite pleased at the end that I had proven Charlie Kelley wrong. As events sadly unfolded, however, Steve was, in retrospect, already slowed down to mere mortal speed by his as yet undetected cancer, and I was once again denied the pleasure of beating him in a fair race.

But in between those two races, I was rewarded with an even greater pleasure. I got to know Steve as a great coach, as a wonderful person, and as a friend.

I joined SRR in late December, 2004, primarily for the track workouts, and that's when I did finally meet Steve. From the start he was calling my name out with encouragement and advice at every lap around the track, always drawing out the best in my every effort. And then, there he was at almost every race I ran, usually posted at more than one spot, again calling out my name with his quiet voice that seemed to rise effortlessly above the noise of any crowd to spur me on, invariably when I needed it the most. And he was always available for any discussion about my running, suggestions on strengthening exercises, and even the best tip I ever had for the last hard workout 12 days before the first marathon I had run in over 10 years. I always felt I was receiving the special treatment from a special coach.

Then I realized the amazing thing about Steve as a coach. Everyone he coached, everyone he cheered on in a race, everyone he gave training tips to-they all felt that they were receiving the special treatment. Steve had the ability to make everyone on the track, everyone in a race, regardless of talent, feel that he or she was the unique focus of his attention, and the one person who mattered right then and there. And this was not some coaching trick or social skill. Steve could make you feel that way, because he felt that way. He saw and brought forth the inherent worth in every individual. And when I understood this, I understood the greatness of Steve as a coach flowed naturally and inevitably from his greatness as a human being.

I knew Steve for less than a year and a half. I trained under him for less than 8 months before I was out of commission for the last 4 months of last year with an injury. I then bumped into him this past March, and received the gift of just one more chance to talk to him, at the water stop set up for marathon trainers on Commonwealth Ave. I only ever saw him at track, at races, and at that last particular club event. Still, I felt he was a good friend, and I hoped to see more and more of him as both of us grew old. But, things never seem to happen as planned, there never seems to be enough time, and I will join the long line of people who knew him closer, and more dearly, who will feel his loss deeply and forever.

I want to express my deepest condolences to Steve's family and friends. As a coach and a person there was no one else like him. He gave so generously of his time, answering all my running questions and replying to my emails and even preparing a personalized marathon training program for me. When I would try and thank him or acknowledge his influence if I had a good performance he would always tell me that I did all the work and that he never ran a step for me. He might not have run a step for me but I felt that he ran every step with me. His advice and great example are always in my mind as I race and I can barely remember a time that he and Nancy weren't there cheering on the club and yelling for me as I passed. I was always amazed that during a longer race I would see them at two or three places along the course cheering, and again at the finish line smiling and yelling my name.

He was always extremely encouraging, but didn't give praise lightly. You knew that when he congratulated you or praised you that it really meant something. I printed out an email he sent me after this year's New Bedford half marathon and have it hanging on my refrigerator. I treasure the words he wrote to me and read them whenever I need a lift or feel like my training isn't going as well as I'd like. He taught me so much about running and helped me to learn so much about myself. I cannot adequately express the sense of loss I feel. I wish I had known him better.

I know that whatever I do in the future, no matter how much I run or train or race, that I will always carry him with me. His voice will always be in my head as I run and he will forever be my coach. I will always hear him telling me to relax my shoulders, lift my knees and be tough.

Thanks, Coach. I hope you know that your spirit will live on through all the people whose lives you touched.

I struggle to find the words. steve taught me a lot more than about running. he taught me about the nobility of commitment and tenacity. he taught me how to find a connection with others. i've never had a mentor so powerfully impactful on my life. i'm lonely without him at a race, at track, in the car or at the end of an internet connection. i'm going to carry his voice with me in whatever i do. steve was the kind of person, the kind of man, i would hope to be. he did what god meant for him to do and steve blessed us all by his example. though it's corny to say, i loved steve and am grateful for having known him. i hope he's building a team in heaven, right now. thanks, coach.

I can’t remember the first time I met Steve Burton. It may have been at Koury’s, or Fresh Pond, or perhaps McDonalds Park. It most certainly involved running and Steve’s passion for racing, coaching, training, and supporting. He seemed to be at almost every race, on every weekend, everywhere. On some occasions, he would run at MacDonald Park, drive over to Somerville and run the Khoury's course, in the same evening.

Steve was the heart and soul of the Somerville Road Runners. He was the coach, mentor, sometimes race director, team captain, one of the biggest cheerleaders and often the fiercest of competitors.

I have only known Steve for the past five years or so. I was a member of the SRR for a mere season or two. A hand full of Grand Prix races, a Lake Winnie relay, a few track sessions… As a fellow runner, I was drawn to the man for his knowledge of the sport, the genuine interest he showed, his integrity, and his passion for competition.

I will miss Steve and am deeply saddened by his departure. His spirit will grace many running venues for sometime to come.

I feel that Steve helped me reach my number one running goal of the experience of the Boston Marathon. At the hand full of track workouts I was able to attend he was right there at every lap with words of encouragement. It made you want to do well for the coach. And when I found out he was into music, after hooking up with the IT Band, I tried to impress him with my guitar playing. Steve was a true motivator and a great, down to earth person.

What is a local race without Steve and Nancy? I can't think of any race where Steve wasn't running, or just hanging out on the sidelines, coaching, cheering, helping out.

I have had the great fortune of being the unofficial Khoury's race director for the past 7 years, and one of the pleasures of that is the chats that occur when all the runners are out. I remember plenty of times sitting and chatting with Steve as we snacked on whatever Louise Rossetti had brought that week. Or if Steve was running, more often than not he did not finish on his own. He was running alongside someone else, urging them to a PR, and being completely happy watching their disbelief and pleasure to have run faster than they thought possible.

By this point, not that many people in the club remember when I used to run all the time too. I joined the club in 1998 and in late summer 1999 I decided to train for Boston. I was encouraged to come to track and was a bit apprehensive - after all I was definitely one of the slowest runners (part of why I started timing Khoury's is that I kept missing all the good pizza!). But Steve made up a training plan for me that was just as detailed as the ones for all the fast runners, and he was just as excited for my (comparatively) goals as I was. But then when the marathon happened, he did a little thing that he probably didn't think twice about - in the inevitable e- mail that he would send congratulating runners, he put in a special congratulations to me on my first marathon. I had that e-mail up on my office wall for years and it always meant so much to me. I knew personally that it was a big deal for me - but for someone else to rejoice in it just made it so much more special. Recently with biking things I find myself in a leadership position and I try to remember Steve's example, grace, and almost missionary zeal for running.

Steve, I will miss your gentle presence so much. I will miss you on the sidelines. I will miss your embodiment of the fact that it's not what you do, but who you are that matters. You never had a bad word for everyone. I'm so, so glad I ran into you the day after your birthday and got to chat with you one last time. You give such a strong example of how to live your life. Thank you. I am so lucky to have known you, and while we're at it, to have been part of the world's most unreal and amazing running club. I'm totally crying now because no matter how much I can say, it's never enough.

-Karin Turer

My sincerest condolences to all of Steve's family, friends and everyone at the SRR. I was privileged to know Steve as a competitor and-- informally--a coach. Although I regret not knowing him better as a person, he always seemed like a true gentleman with a great sense of humor. It is staggering to think of the number of people whose lives he affected in a positive way. I owe some of my best performances as a runner at least in part to his sage advice and I will think of him often out on the roads.

So long, Steve. Thank you.

He made me run,
He made me race,
He encouraged me more than anybody else does,
He believed in me more than I believe in myself.

He taught me to run for the love of running
and compete against my own goal;
He told me to work hard
to become the best I can become;
He asked me to push over the limits
and try different things;
He advised me whenever life hurts
put the emotions into training and racing;

He was always there yelling my name at every race,
He was always there sharing the joy when I cross that finish line,
He always said you did all the work, not me when I thanked him,
He always said believe in your training when I lose confidence in myself.

Life changes, for all of us, all of the time.
Be more open to things and embrace the world.
You can find happiness if you keep an overall good attitude.
These are his words in his last days...

My heart will hold on to him as I travel along life's way,
I will forever remember Steve -- as my coach and my very best friend

I met Steve at a local race several years prior to my joining SRR last year, and continued to bump into him as we had about the same 5M-10K speed at the time, and we ended up running neck and neck for a few races. During the last such race, Steve was talking with me over the last few miles and encouraging me to work towards reeling in the woman ahead, which I did, to win the race. Even in his own race, he was always looking to motivate others.

Later on, I ended up exchanging several emails with Steve after meeting Diona Fulton at a race and listening to her raves for the club and coach. Just one email from Steve confirmed that he was the kind of coach I needed…he gave thoughtful, thorough, and experienced advice, but was able to consider other ways of training that had proven successful for me in the past. In other words, it wasn’t “Steve’s way or the highway”…he was open and very encouraging. When I ran the Twin Cities Marathon this past September, which was also the National Master’s Championship, both Steve and Nancy made the trip out to cheer me on and even rented bikes and rode them along the course giving me support the entire way. None of my family made the trip. Steve and Nancy did. It truly meant a lot to me and I only wish I could have delivered a much faster marathon that day to show Steve how effective his coaching had been. He was a true friend.

Another thing about Steve worth noting is that when I have been asked about him recently, I have been forced to realize that I know very little about Steve personally. He just never talked about himself. He wanted to know about you. That’s the kind of guy he was- always thinking of others. After reading his life biography the other day, one omission stood out-- --mention of his career. Most people are known primarily for how they made their living because they don’t always make time for what is important in life and success is unfortunately often viewed in terms of possessions. Steve’s life biography is all about giving to others, and coaching on so many levels, for so many diverse groups. He knew what was truly important in life and it certainly shows by how many lives he has touched. I am honored to have known him. I will not forget him. And, I will try to race hard with him in mind.

Steve will live on in so many different ways. We will remember his sound running advice, and his great example and hard work in the community. On the humorous side, I can still hear Steve advising me during track workouts as I chatted with the runners next to me: Mike if you still have the energy to be talking during interval pace, then you are not running these hard enough!

A month after I joined SRR, I was sidelined by a severe IT band injury, and had no clue what was causing the problem. Of course, Steve diagnosed it and gave me advice on how to handle it almost everyday for three weeks - never hesitating to answer my anxious emails about whether I should rest, run, or just cut my leg off. Steve then coached me through three marathons, and I owe my success to his patience, responsiveness, and superior advice.

Thank you to Steve, the definition of a true Gentleman. His life has certainly made a positive impact in this world.

As a slow runner, I didn't think races or track was for me. In fact, they scared the heck out of me. My first race? Homeless Coalition 5K. Came in pretty near last and got cheers and support all along the way. Track? I thought I was gonna get yelled at. Instead, Steve taught me skills I could use at my own pace. Along the way, he taught me a lot about generousity of spirit. Nobody else has ever compared me to to Michael Johnson.

Steve was always there. Go to track, even outdoor track in the pouring rain, and he was there. Go to Khoury's and he was there. Go to some small race in Arlington, and he was there. And, he was there whether he was running or not. That says a lot about how important our community was to him. It also means we got the opportunity to learn from him more often.

I have a picture in my head of him standing at the 26 mile mark of the Cape Cod Marathon in the blue Boston Marathon jacket which I guess was his favorite. Just around the corner he said.

I joined SRR many years ago and Steve was one of the first club members to some up and introduce himself. As a beginner to running at the time he helped me a great deal on my way to my first Boston Marathon.

Through the years my wife, Heather, and I have spent many an SRR meeting, night at Khoury's, or post-race with Steve and have come to know him as not only a great runner, coach, and musician, but also a great person.

Steve, you are in our hearts and prayers and will be greatly missed.

I shared Steve's enthusiam for distance running and racing and will greatly miss his easy going and caring manner.

I met Coach Burton shortly after moving to Somerville and literally the week before my first marathon (Cape Cod). To me Coach exemplifies the club motto and to this day his support still gets me through some of my toughest runs and races. I will do my best to never drop out of a race, even if I am not going to get the result I want, because I remember Coach saying it will be all the easier to drop out the next time. The Somerville Road Runners and Coach Burton is what I missed most when I moved away and I doubt I will ever find a club, a coach, or an experience anywhere close to my time with SRR. I will do my best to keep living the club motto because that is what Coach did. Run well coach.
Todd Reemtsma

It is never easy or gracious to say goodbye.
Thursdays night 4.3 mile race, ROMs, and Grand Prix will never be same without coach Steve's cheer and push at some point during the race course.... what a great loss for all of us at SRR and what a great gift for the speeding angels in heaven! God Speed Coach - We miss you so much!
Lizete