Obituary of Walter Lewis Burrows, Jr.

Walter Lewis Burrows, Jr., age 86, of Wilton, formerly of East Norwalk and Darien, passed away on April 17, 2020 in Wilton Meadows Health Care Center. Walter was born October 26, 1933 to Walter L. Burrows, Sr., an antiques dealer, and Viola A. (Hallett) Burrows an artist and interior designer, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by a sister, Natalie in 2001. The family moved to Darien early in Walter’s life. He attended King School (the current King Low Heywood Thomas School) in Stamford. Walter’s high school yearbook stated: “His greatest claim to fame is his jump from the sophomore to the senior class in the role of an accelerated student. Walter was a member of the varsity football team for two seasons, as a standout guard. On the social side, Walter can hold his own. He is one of the senior class’s more accomplished dancers, as witnessed in his performance given at last year’s Prom. Due to his constant hard work we are sure Walt will go far in his chosen field of journalism.” In 1963 Walter passed the bar exam and became a lawyer, working first in the private sector and then for the City of Stamford. He was also a veteran, a member of the Noroton Volunteer Fire Department, an avid photographer, and amateur magician, who, in the mid-70’s, performed mentalism as “The Baffling Burrows” in his free time, for local groups. He held membership in a number of magic clubs, including the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring #97 (Stamford/Norwalk), the Society of American Magicians, Assembly #33 (Stamford), the Danbury Tophatters, Assembly #131 and the independent magic club in Bridgeport, the New Magicians Association. Walter also enjoyed attending magic conventions. He supported the future of the magical arts as a member of Society of Young Magicians #42 (Stamford). Many knew Walter as “The Guy with the Camera,” always snapping photos at meetings and then giving away the prints to the members. Walter always enjoyed a good debate or discussion. A Civil War history buff, he gave a few talks on the topic at Wilton Meadows. He also spoke about great magicians and performers of the past, those whom he’d met or researched, staying involved in the magic clubs until his passing. There will be a Broken Wand Ceremony in the future for Walter performed at a later date with and for his friends as a memorial to Walter’s Life.