Michael Thomas Butler

Michael Thomas Butler was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Michael will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Michael was born on February 11, 1985 at St. David's Hospital in Austin, Texas. He was the son of Francesca and Timothy Butler. Michael grew up in Cupertino, California.

Michael was raised with one sibling. He had one sister, Terry Butler Lebobe. Michael was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his sister. He and his sister experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Michael had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Michael was an active child who took part in soccer, baseball, and karate. In his spare time he liked to play with legos and video games However, to Michael, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Michael had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Monte Vista High School in Cupertino, California in 2003. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

Michael enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Michael was able to manage the balancing act. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. His favorite courses were Information Security and Programming Competitions. His favorite professor was Dr. Taylor. Michael was founding member and president of San Jose State's Computer Science Club and he competed in the ACM Programming Competition two years in a row. An avid competitive programmer, Michael was renown for his skill in TopCoder and on his school's ACM Programming Team.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Michael enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Robert Campbell and Scott Campbell. Later in life, he became friends with Josh Lipps, Johan Johanson, Christina Burris, and many more.

Fortunately, Michael enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Michael worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was software engineer. He was employed for Google and Vudo. He was an early developer at the video startup Vudu (later acquired by Walmart) and recently joined the Youtube team at Google. Michael always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Michael enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were video games, building and using computers, motorcycles, and cars. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Michael found pleasure in sports. Michael was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were watching the Sharks, a hockey team.

Throughout his life, Michael was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In college, Michael joined the Computer Science Club. Michael was a very intellectual young man. He was very passionate about technology and computers, loved solving puzzles and was always inquisitive as a child.

Michael Butler (known by many as Butler) passed away in a motorcycle accident on Saturday morning in San Francisco, California. He was 27 years old. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose, California. Michael was laid to rest in the coast of Santa Cruz, California.

Simply stated, Michael was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Michael leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Michael Thomas Butler.