Ralph Burton II

Ralph “Spike” Burton II passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, at the age of 75 in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Born in Detroit on June 26, 1949 to Edson Nye Burton and Patricia Owens Burton, Ralph lived a life as dynamic and adventurous as his larger-than-life personality. His ability to turn the ordinary into a laugh or an adventure made him unforgettable to all who knew him. He was brilliant, funny, tenacious, outspoken, and fiercely independent, taking pride in marching to the beat of his own drum. To those who knew him best, he was always the most interesting and entertaining person in the room.

Ralph’s talents and interests were wide-ranging. In high school, he played football and also played guitar and sang in a rock band he formed with neighborhood friends, “The Oxford Five”. To no one’s surprise, Ralph was the “sales” guy for the band, lining up gigs at private parties, school events, and more. Heavily influenced by the British Invasion, Beatles hits were a favorite, and the band also recorded an original single. Based on his vocal talents and vibrant personality, he was recruited for the lead role of Sky Masterson in his senior class’ rendition of Guys and Dolls. With all of these amazing experiences in mind, he dreamed of Broadway; but life took him on a different - and equally incredible - path.

Instead of heading to NYC, Ralph took an opportunity in the incentive industry in Detroit, leading large corporate group award trips to Lisbon, Tokyo, and everywhere in-between. Throwing toga parties in Rome and M.A.S.H. parties in Maui, he found an unexpected way to be an entertainer and travel the world doing it. He visited exciting cities in more than 80 countries around the globe, and his talents and work ethic quickly made him a respected leader in his field. Ralph felt very blessed to be able to channel his love of entertaining into his work, designing, selling, and hosting award programs for corporate award winners. In 1997 the family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was able to build on his industry experience, and showcase his entrepreneurial spirit by creating a start-up company (Xceleration, Inc.). Ralph never met a stranger, and he never ran out of stories to share.

Throughout his life, Ralph was a man who always found joy in his pursuits - both professional and personal. The son of a poet, he had a deep love for literature, theater, music, animals, travel, and art. He was passionate about his family and close friends. He practiced daily meditation and yoga, enjoyed the outdoors, and cherished his Michigan roots. He was a particularly avid fan of Detroit Tigers baseball and University of Michigan football. Ralph was truly a lifelong athlete, embracing running, golf, skiing (both water and snow), and hiking in the Rocky Mountains. He also had a special place in his heart for Harbor Springs, and was proud of his family’s part in establishing the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library.

More than anything, though, Ralph loved his family fiercely, and was so proud of each individual who was a part of it. He taught his children the importance of finding their passions and working hard, while always having fun and putting family first. His stories, many of which he captured in a self-published book, will forever bring joy to his loved ones.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Weirich Burton, and his children Ralph “Spike” III (Danielle Galasso), Chelsea (Matthew Pozzi), and Brittany. He is also survived by his siblings Edson “EB” (Judy), Mary “Maggie”, Patricia “Tommi” (Tom Orlando), and Leona “Toni” (Stephen Gutierrez).

Details of the Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ralph’s memory to a favorite charity, including Paws for Purple Hearts, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).