Robert Ovide Butler

Robert (Bob) Ovide Butler, 88, of Montreal, Quebec, passed away peacefully on July 16th, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital in Montreal. Born June 16, 1936, in Arvida, Quebec, Bob lived a life rich in professional accomplishments, personal passions, and cherished relationships.

A proud alumnus of St. Francis Xavier University, which he attended alongside his brother Jim, Bob later graduated from Nova Scotia Technical College, laying the foundation for his successful electrical engineering career. Bob spent most of his career at Canatom, following an early start at Montreal Engineering. His work took him across the globe to Labrador, Halifax, New Glasgow, Venezuela, Taiwan, Trois-Rivières, Chicago, China, South Korea, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. Despite his travels, Montreal remained his beloved home throughout his life.

Bob's love for golf, kindled in his teenage years as a caddy alongside his brother, remained a lifelong passion. As a young adult, Bob enjoyed skiing with friends, which he picked up again later in life with his daughter. An enthusiastic culinary hobbyist, Bob delighted in preparing classic recipes, especially barbecuing, soups and roasts. His love for cinema was evident in his regular visits to Cinema du Parc and his attendance at film festivals. In retirement, Bob remained an active community member, volunteering with the NDP, WITNESS, the NDG Community Council and Chez Soi senior's housing. He and his friend Francine regularly attended classical music concerts across the city and beyond. Bob's commitment to personal growth led him to learn bridge, participating in groups like Encore and various friendly bridge circles.

Bob was a devoted father who treasured time with his family. He loved fatherhood, organizing memorable vacations and activities with his daughter Sarah, such as scuba lessons, bike riding, camping and road trips, creating lasting memories.

Their weekly dinners became a cherished tradition in his later years, often shared with Sarah's mother, Paulette. Bob's love for family extended beyond his human connections. His cherished cat, Orangello, became an integral part of his household, offering companionship and joy in his later years.

Bob loved gathering around food, which he did monthly with his Moneco lunch group of retirees, frequent meals and holiday gatherings with many friends and family and weekly dinners with his brother, sister-in-law, and close companion for many years. His kindness touched many lives in his community. Bob was a great friend to many, including the Dordevic, Lamie, and Calder families.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Sarah Butler, and her mother, Paulette Phillips, cousin Gloria (Richard) Lovegrove, niece Kelly (Brian) Butler-Colley, and nephew Sean Butler. He was preceded in death by his brother, James (Jim) Gordon Butler, and his parents, Patrick Butler and Vera McLeod. Robert (Bob) Butler will be remembered as a kind father, a passionate enthusiast of arts and culture, a committed community servant, and a cherished friend to many. His legacy of kindness, curiosity, and engagement will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A gathering will be held on Sunday, September 8th at the Collins Clarke MacGillivray White Funeral Home at 5610 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H4A 1W5 at 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM, with a small reception afterwards. The service will be webcast for those who cannot attend in person.

Collins Clarke MacGillivray White will webcast the funeral ceremony of Robert Butler on Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 2:50 PM EDT to 4:20 PM EDT.

You can view the ceremony live or on replay at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/96073

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the Montreal Chambre Music Festival.

https://festivalmontreal.org/