Heartbreak as tributes paid to adored dad, husband, RAAF member Todd Burton
More than $30,000 has been raised for the family of a former RAAF member and Ipswich father following his sudden death.
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A family is heartbroken and a community is in mourning after beloved Ipswich husband, dad-of-four and former member of the Royal Australian Air Force Todd Burton.
The young man passed away on Saturday, March 26 to the disbelief of his wife Emily and their four children as well as his friends and colleagues.
Since his death, more some $30,000 has been raised to help his young family.
“My brother was the most amazing, funny, and loving person,” Todd’s sister Nicole Burton wrote on social media.
“His quick wit and humour will never be forgotten.
“My heart along with so many will be scarred forever.”
Todd is remembered by his former colleague, a serving member of No. 36 Squadron RAAF, Glen Ive, as a man whose “can do” attitude catapulted him from being a “young and unassuming” avionics technician in 2012 to a “trusted” worker everyone wanted in their team.
“Todd quickly endeared himself to the C-17 community in Australia,” Mr Ive wrote in a GoFundMe post.
“His calm demeanour, work ethic, and all-around ability ensured that he was well respected and liked by all he served with.
“Todd deployed to various places in the world and became the number one request to contribute to team selection when it was critical to have the right skills and attitudes to achieve mission success.”
He went on to serve in Afghanistan, Iraq and South Sudan and was promoted to Corporal in January last year.
Todd decided to leave the RAAF in October, purchasing a home for his family and gaining employment with Raytheon Australia and, from February this year, supporting No. 36 Squadron and the C-17A with Boeing Defence Australia.
It is understood Mr Ive said Todd’s passing came to everyone’s shock and disbelief.
Mr Ive said the veteran’s family “now need to find their way in this world without him”.
In the wake of his death, Mr Ive started a GoFundMe campaign appealing to the defence force, C-17, and the wider veteran community to support Todd’s wife Emily and children.
More than $30,000 has been raised in a matter of days — a testament to the enormous impact Todd had on the lives of those around him.
Mr Ive issued a “heartfelt thanks” from Todd’s family for helping provide much-needed financial assistance in their heartbreak.