Donald Eugene Butler

Don Butler of Seattle passed away at age 90 on July 6, 2012. He died peacefully at his West Seattle home in the presence of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Marjorie, and children Jude Russell (Charlie), Brian Butler (Carolyn Johnson), Leslie Butler and grandchildren Celeste Lofton-Bagert, Thomas Lofton, and Kai Braaten. Don was born in Seattle on October 15, 1921 and grew up on Queen Anne Hill, graduating from Queen Anne High School in 1940. His parents were Lawrence and Agnes Butler. He was the last living member of a close knit family that included brothers Lawrence (Laddie),Bill and Jerry, and sister Betty.

Among his favorite memories were the joyful times spent as a youth at the family summer home in Indianola, WA. There he formed lifelong friendships.

He served in the Army as a communications officer in Alaska during World War II. Upon returning to Seattle he married Marjorie Milsted in 1948. Don had a 36-year career with Pacific Northwest Bell that took him to Spokane, Olympia, and Seattle and worked primarily in the Commercial and Personnel departments, retiring in 1983.

Don was a talented calligrapher and was proud of his exhibits at the Burien Art Gallery and ArtsWest, and volunteered his skills in the community. Additional interests included following local and national politics, often contributing his views in letters to the editor of local newspapers, and studying history. He and Marjorie enjoyed travel to the Oregon Coast and some pleasurable trips abroad, and he loved growing flowers by seed, particularly marigolds and petunias, and his extensive pipe collection. He looked forward to monthly lunches at Andy’s Diner with his grade school classmates from St. Anne’s. His 1960’s white Volkswagen was a permanent fixture in front of their West Seattle home. Family, friends, and strangers alike enjoyed his warm personality and terrific sense of humor.

Those wishing to make a donation in his name can send a contribution to the American Cancer Society or Providence Hospice of Seattle.