Edwin Sawyer Burtis passed away December 28, 2020. He was born in Elmhurst, IL, on April 23, 1930, to
Royal and Frances Burtis.
 
The youngest of three children, from an early age Edwin proved to be a hard worker and self-starter. His
earliest entrepreneurial efforts included selling Handy Hatters and “Dyadamite” salt and pepper
shakers door-to-door at the age of 12. Following graduation from York High and DePauw University,
Edwin served his country with honor for two years in the US Army during the Korean War as an artillery
instructor at Fort Sill, OK. He wed his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Foster, to whom he was happily
married for 50 years until Carolyn’s death in 2003.
 
Ed and Carolyn first moved to Brookline, MA, where Ed completed his MBA at Harvard Graduate School
of Business. After two years working on Wall Street in NYC, he then joined his father in the
family business, Merchants' Credit Guide Co. in Chicago (established in 1896). He led the company and
industry associations to much success, handing over the leadership reins to his son Daniel. Ed retired
from MCG at the age of 80 but still kept a close eye on the company’s financial statements from his home
in Naples, FL.
 
Settling in Glen Ellyn, IL in 1961, Ed and Carolyn raised their family of two girls and two boys. Ed was a
devoted and engaged father who enthusiastically supported his children's every interest and activity,
rarely missing a game or performance, regardless of the time of day or state of the weather.
 
Ed served his community as well, including election to the Districts 41 and 87 School Boards and Board
member of the Central DuPage Health Care Institute. At the county level, Ed also served with distinction
as President of the DuPage County Board of Health, Jury Commissioner for the 18 th  Circuit Court,
and Board member and Treasurer of the DuPage County Airport Authority. For over 20 years he walked
his Milton Township precinct as Republican committeeman.
 
Ed was a lifelong optimist who saw the best in others, was generous, playful and funny, and loaded with
lovable quirks. Anyone lucky enough to serve Ed at a restaurant or stand next to him on an elevator
would be very likely to remember the experience with a smile. He will be deeply and dearly missed by
those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his sister Carol Watkins of Sanibel, FL, children Cleo
Burtis (Jim Comerford) of Glen Ellyn, IL, Catherine Hart (Jeff) of Medfield, MA, Daniel Burtis of Glen Ellyn,
IL, and Paul Burtis (Jane Dell) of Tiffin, OH, grandchildren Erin, Megan, Peter and Lucy, Jeffrey, Melissa,
and Susan, Brandon, Virginia, Vivian, and Aubrey, Cecilia, Jack, and Sophia, and nine great grand-
children.
 
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn (Foster), his sister, Cynthia Fjord, and his dear
friend, Peggy Babcock.
The family would like to thank Jan Smith for caring for Ed with kindness and devotion for the last four
years. 
 
A celebration of Edwin's wonderful life will be postponed until a time when his family can gather safely. In
lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Dana Farber Colorectal Cancer Research
(www.danafarber.jimmyfund.org) or the Glen Ellyn Fourth of July Committee
(www.glenellyn4thofjuly.org/donations).