Ronald Charles Butler

Ronald Charles Butler of Parksville, BC, passed away on the 11 of January 2024 after suffering a stroke on January 6. He was also diagnosed with a recurrence of the cancer he had 20 years ago which made the last few months of life very difficult. He passed in the loving company of his 3 children and son-in-law at the Trillium Hospice in Parksville. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Ron’s doctors and the staff at Parksville Palliative Home Care and at the Trillium Hospice. Everyone was extremely helpful and compassionate, and we really appreciate your generosity.

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 a 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 – the place with the most temperate climate in Canada, according to Ron!

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 the death of Colleen. 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, once in Parksville, he was 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.