Herb Burton

EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is comprised of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.

The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: a desire to know God and be in relationship with him.

This week’s conversation is with Saint Philip’s parishioner and volunteer, Herb Burton.

How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
My wife, Sylvia, and I have been here for 22 years—since 2002.

Were you raised in a faith tradition? 
Not really. My family was supposedly Presbyterian but we didn’t go to church.

So how did you find your way to the Episcopal Church?
Through my wife. Sylvia grew up in Nogales, Arizona, where her family was part of the Episcopal church there. Her father was on the Vestry and her mother was the organist.

When we got married and moved to New Jersey, the first thing we did was go to the local Episcopal Church in Plainfield. Turned out the curate was a tennis player—and I’d played tennis all my life. We played together and became good friends. He’s godfather to both our boys and officiated at one of their weddings. He was a great ambassador for the church.

What about Saint Philip’s has kept you here so many years?
Three things: the liturgy, the good choir, and being involved.

I’m a sucker for ritual. Whenever there is a royal wedding in England, I make sure to watch as they do pomp and circumstance so well. Our liturgy is done equally well.

Sylvia and I were members of the choir for years. Initially, that’s all we did. But a few years later, I was asked to volunteer in different roles. Ultimately, I served on the Vestry, was recruited as Junior Warden, I was on the search committee that called Fr Robert to the parish, and now I’m the Treasurer.

I guess you could say that I’ve been at Saint Philip’s so long because I keep saying, “yes” to getting involved.

Where did you grow up? 
Mostly here in Tucson. I went to Tucson High School and graduated from the University of Arizona.

What did you do for work before retiring? 
I spent my entire career at Bell Labs—the research and development part of the old Bell system. (It was a regulated monopoly that provided universal phone coverage countrywide. So a ranch in Wyoming paid the same price for a phone as someone in a big city.)

What was your role in the company?
I had several. I started out doing research to figure out how to transmit data over telephone lines, specifically on using error correcting codes to ensure reliable data transmission. I was able to secure several patents on that work.

Next came actual development of equipment to transmit and receive data. My team and I developed the first modem that used custom large-scale integration. We worked with one of the early semiconductor companies in California to develop the signal processing chips that were the basis of the modem.

Later I was involved with developing private branch exchanges (PBX) for large companies and universities. I ultimately became the Chief Technology Officer responsible for developing systems that were marketed to small businesses and organizations, e.g. churches, lawyers, and doctors.

What engaged you about the work?
Even as a kid I was a tinkerer. I would take radios and lamps apart to see how they worked. I loved the challenge.

So how does an engineer become Saint Philip’s treasurer? 
My experience managing large organizations with large budgets made the transition easy. And I’m an overcommitted volunteer!

Do you volunteer outside Saint Philip’s?
I do! I’m the treasurer of an historical foundation where we used to spend summers in Vermont. And I’ve also been on our HOA’s Board in various roles.

What’s the basis for all your volunteer work?
I like to be busy. When I first started working, I would learn about folks from Bell Labs who retired and moved to Florida. Their goal was to sit around and relax. And then they died within two years. I wanted something different.

What do you do when not volunteering?
I used to play tennis but my two fake knees now make that difficult. I still work out every day doing water aerobics and swimming laps. At home I ride the stationary bike.

But a big thing for me is cooking.

What do you like about cooking?
I like to experiment so it’s a great creative outlet. I rarely use a food processor because it’s so much more fun to use a big French chef’s knife. When I’m frustrated, I just grab that knife and whack at whatever needs to be cut.

Do you have a signature dish?
I have several but the one I’ll mention here is the personal recipe I use for pancakes at First Sunday Breakfasts. I’ve been told that several people come because of them. A few folks have asked for the recipe—and I’ve shared it.

What’s something you’re proud of?
Our two boys—who are twins. They both like the outdoors, and like to cook (which they’re good at). I’m pleased to have had some influence on them. And my granddaughters, one of whom was just admitted to the Supreme Court Bar.

What’s something you’re grateful for?
Same answer! Both sons are successful and healthy.

Our son who lives in New Jersey lives life to the fullest—and did that even before he survived 9/11.

He worked on the 39th floor of Tower 1 and got everyone on his floor out. That was one of the worst days of my life. Sylvia and I didn’t know for hours if he was ok.

He’s a musician at heart but has a wife and two daughters so he has a financial career. But he spends most of his weekends and leisure time as a bass player for a band called, “The Moroccan Shepherders.” It’s the top cover band on the Jersey Shore and has a huge following.

What’s one of your core values?
Be kind. I don’t always live up to that but I think being kind to people is really important.  

What’s one of your super powers?
Curiosity. I’ve always been interested in how things work. That curiosity led me to make engineering my career.

Engineering is basically the application of science to build useful things. And to do it in a way that is safe.

What would you love to do given the chance?
Participate in the Grand Canyon float trip.

What’s something you know now that your younger self didn’t?
The importance of relationships.

Getting older has helped me appreciate how important it is to maintain friendships and be part of a community. We’re not meant to be alone in this world.

What’s an invitation you couldn’t refuse?
Learning how to fly. I really wanted to be a pilot but I’m red/green color blind so couldn’t qualify.

What’s a fun fact about you?
That I’ve visited every single state. For many years Sylvia and I spent summers in Vermont, and we drove back and forth to Tucson. We would always pick a different route and enjoy side excursions.

We’ve been to Glacier Park in Montana, Acacia in Maine, the Everglades in Florida, and everywhere in between.

Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.