Mr. George Leon Burt was a multi-year Grand Marshall of the Bermuda Day Parade
Mr. George Leon Burt (Corporation of Hamilton)
The Department of Culture paying tribute to Mr. George Leon Burt following his recent passing. A spokesperson for the Government says that Mr. Burt was a master tradesman, cultural tradition-bearer, and devoted community servant, who passed away on Sunday.
“Mr. Burt’s life was a testament to dedication, craftsmanship, faith, and a deep love for his community. Born and raised in Bermuda, he received his early education at Elliott Primary School and Skinner’s School, later known as Howard Academy. He further honed his skills through a correspondence course in masonry at the American Technical School and earned multiple certificates and diplomas in supervisory and management studies, including a Diploma in Management Practice from the Sixth Form Centre at Robert’s Avenue.”
Mr. Burt was Bermuda’s first Bermudian Buildings Superintendent within the civil service, overseeing critical maintenance projects across the island. His responsibilities included work at Government House, the Cabinet Office, public libraries, and the Fisheries office on Coney Island, among many others.
“He played an instrumental role in preparing classrooms for the introduction of computers, leaving a legacy of progress and innovation. His career highlights include laying the cornerstone of City Hall, a lasting symbol of Bermuda’s heritage.”
In recognition of his contributions, Mr. Burt was awarded the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour in 2005. Among his many accolades, he cherished the Certificate of Appreciation from the White House for his support during the 1991 meeting between US President George Bush and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
In 2014, Mr. Burt was named Grand Marshal of the Bermuda Day Parade, which celebrated the theme “Bermuda’s Historical Treasures.” He was also honored by the Department of Culture in 2004, 2013, and 2017, the latter in recognition of his lifelong commitment to building both community and cultural pride.
Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, Owen Darrell, reflected on Mr. Burt’s legacy, saying, “Mr. George Leon Burt was the embodiment of Bermudian pride, skill, and service. His hands shaped some of the island’s most recognisable structures, and his heart nurtured the spirit of our community. His life’s work will continue to inspire generations. Mr. Burt’s generosity of spirit, dedication, and steadfast commitment to preserving Bermudian traditions leave an indelible mark. Please keep the Burt family in your prayers during this time of loss. May he rest in peace, reunited with his beloved Helen.”
The Corporation of Hamilton also paying tribute to Mr. Burt. A press statement from the CoH explains: “Mr. Burt’s extraordinary contributions to Bermuda’s landscape, particularly his work on City Hall, leave an enduring legacy. As one of the skilled masons and craftsmen who helped create the iconic structure, Mr. Burt played a pivotal role in shaping one of Hamilton’s most treasured landmarks. His disciplined craftsmanship was exemplified in his work on the site over nearly a year and his historic act of laying the cornerstone of City Hall.”
Mr. George Leon Burt was also the uncle of the Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP., and is survived by his sons, Alistair and Craig, along with countless friends and admirers who were touched by his legacy.
