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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BUTLER, Ronald Charles - of Parksville, BC, passed away on the 11 of January 2025 after suffering a stroke on January 6th. He was diagnosed with a recurrence of the cancer he had 20 years ago which made the last few months of his life very difficult. He passed in the loving company of his 3 children and son-in-law at the Trillium Hospice in Parksville. Ron was born to parents Jack and Dorothy Butler, on the 10 of June 1934 in Edmonton, Alberta. Ron joined the navy at 17 and was assigned to several ships and bases on both coasts of Canada. Eventually he was posted to Esquimalt where he met Colleen, the love of his life, who predeceased him by 18 months. Ron spent 5 years in the Navy then went to work for Moffat appliances in the lower mainland. After becoming an expert appliance repairman, he was recruited by Hougen's department store in Whitehorse and off they went on a great adventure. In the early 1970's he became one of the first conservation officers in the Yukon Territory. This was the job of a lifetime for Ron and something he talked about until the day he died. In 1980, they decided to leave the north and moved to Parksville. Ron met Colleen in Victoria in November 1955. They were married on July 12, 1958, in Victoria, BC and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary just before Colleen's death. Together they raised 3 children, David (Virginia), Sheila (Lyall) and Tim. Ron is also survived by: sister-in-law Andrea (John) and brother-in-law, Barry (and family), grandchildren Cameron (Adrienne), Connor (Tanille), Bryan, Skye (Cortlan), Rowynn (Paul), Nolan (Lisa), and Matt, great-grandchildren Mason, Ryker, Mariah, Walker, Azlyn, Mason, Mya and Makenna and many other family and friends! Ron was passionate about family, the Yukon, working for the Game Branch, sports (PGOSA), wood turning, growing tomatoes and mason bees. He loved to keep busy and had many projects over the years. Ron was a founding father of the Yukon Voyagers Canoe Club and also, a founding father of PGOSA. They loved to entertain and gave many wonderful and memorable parties that often included costumes, sometimes crazy dinner menus, but always much laughter and fun. Ron will be sorely missed by everyone whose life he touched. Ron did not want a memorial service so the family will have an open house on Friday, January 24 between 2 and 5 pm at his home at 325 McKinnon Street, Parksville. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Ron's name. (The Victoria Times Colonist 17 Jan 2025)
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