8/8/1926 – 2/1/2008
Memorial Service: Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Reception to follow.
Arthur Gerald Butler, age 81 of Bellingham, passed away peacefully at his home on February 1, 2008. He was born August 8, 1926 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to Arthur & Ethel (Spencer) Butler. In 1955, he married Barbara Ruth Jackson and moved to the area in 1973. He worked for Veco Engineering along with other engineering firms for 45 years as a civil/structural design engineer. Art was a member of the Whatcom Chorale for 28 years, Masonic Lodge #44, and was faithful and devoted member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for 34 years.
Art was a talented vocalist and passionate music lover. As a young boy he was known as The Boy Nightengale, Vancouver’s Boy Soprano, having a weekly 15 minute radio show spot on CBC Radio and traveled North America sharing his voice with large audiences. During a trip to Los Angeles he was asked to be a part of the original cast of The Little Rascals. Art was a loyal member of many choirs throughout his life and enjoyed playing the piano, harmonica and singing with his family.
Art was also an avid gardener and nature lover. He appreciated all of god’s creatures and grew a wonderful garden every year. In his pastime he loved to take beautiful pictures of sunsets, gardens and many different local birds. He was also a very creative and talented inventor, always making little gadgets and gizmo’s and always had a project on the go.
Art is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara; son Glenn Butler of Aldergrove, BC; daughter Sharon Butler of New Westminster, BC; son Richard (Lisa) Butler (Colene, David, Melissa, Karly) of Langley, BC; daughter Beverly (Jimmy) Butler-Lane (Alisia, Rachel, Danika, Sebastian, Alex) of Fort Langley, BC; great grandchildren Josephine, Jewel, Jeremiah, Maddison and Owen, as well as numerous other relatives.
Art will be dearly missed by his loving family and many members of the Bellingham community.