Kirk Allen Butler MD

Kirk was born on August 2, 1961, in Brigham City, Utah. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and later his Medical Degree from The Medical College of Wisconsin, beginning a career in medicine that he approached with intensity, pride, and a strong sense of responsibility. He owned and operated an Internal Medicine practice for many years specializing in geriatric medicine and hospice care. Later he worked for Apogee Physicians as Chief Medical Officer and acted as Medical Director for Hospice. He cared deeply about his patients and his work, and medicine remained a core part of who he was even after he was no longer able to practice.

At age 48, Kirk received a devastating diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of the bile ducts) and was told that he only had six months to live. Wanting to spend as much time as possible with his family, he underwent experimental treatment that was able to eradicate his cancer entirely. One of the clearest reflections of who he was is that he lived 16 years beyond a diagnosis that initially offered far less time and he used that time to stay close to the people he loved most. While those years came with real challenges, they were also defined by the time he was able to spend with his family, especially his grandchildren, who meant everything to him. The decision to undergo a liver transplant was driven by that love and by his desire to have more time to watch them grow up. That time, more than anything else, was what mattered most to him.

He enjoyed audiobooks, often listening while driving to appointments, traveling, or relaxing at home. He had a deep appreciation for cars, particularly high-end ones, and took real pride in owning a Ferrari; something he earned through years of hard work and dedication. It was more than just a car to him; it reflected his persistence, his drive, and the way he chose to live life fully, even when life required him to slow down. Later in life, he also began getting into gardening and bread making, approaching both with curiosity and patience.

Kirk will be remembered for his humor, his stubbornness, his pride, and his irreverent perspective on life. He could be direct and unapologetic, but he was also deeply lovable, and the people closest to him understood how much he cared. He had a well-known love of diet drinks, a serious sweet tooth, and a work ethic that defined much of his life before illness forced him to slow down.

He is survived by his children, Amber, Kyler, and Kellie; his grandchildren, Peter, Levi, Elliot, and Case; his siblings, Scott, Janae, and Ginger; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn, and his father, S. Wayne.

A celebration of life will be held on April 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. 3580 E Houston Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234. Additional details will be shared with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity to be designated at a later time.

For those unable to attend the service will be live streamed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/xCyyoUDdbY4?feature=shared