August 29, 1929 to August 10, 2018
Ron passed away on August 10th just shy of his 89th birthday. A love for travel led him to pursue adventure throughout his life. An excellent pilot, Ron's greatest passion was flying his prized airplane, a Piper Arrow.
Ron was born and raised in Vancouver. At age 18 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps becoming an officer in 1959. Ron rose to the rank of Major and served as Commanding Officer for #156 Company RCASC based at Jericho until 1968. Ron earned a degree in accounting and held management positions with Progressive Engineering & Progressive Mill Supplies until his retirement in 1985.
On October 10, 1953 Ronald married his beloved Jillian Ruth Taylor. They raised their 5 children in Burnaby where they lived for 30 years. Ron & Jill's lovely homes have always been welcoming places for members of the large Butler clan to gather for visiting, events & family fun.
After becoming a private aircraft pilot in 1973 Ron soon purchased his own plane. In the years that followed, Ron and his co-pilot Jill flew to destinations across Canada, the USA, Mexico and the Caribbean. He developed lifelong friendships as a member of the Boundary Bay Flying Club. For the five years between '89 and '93, Ron & Jill lived in a "Motorhome" and travelled the roads of North America. In 1993 Ron designed and built their home across from the airstrip at the edge of the 14th green on Shuswap Lake Estates in Blind Bay where he spent many happy years.
He is survived by Jillian, his wife of 65 years; by his children Janice, David (Sharon), Richard (Robin), Brenda (Rick) and Colleen (Doug); by his grandchildren Paul, Justin, Darian, Ivory, Evan, Savannah and Teghann; by his great-grandchildren Dathan, Maya, Fisher, Leia and Stella; by his sister, Doreen; by sisters-in-law, Judith and Beverly; and by nieces, nephews and cousins. Ron will be greatly missed.
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