Obituary of Michael Joseph Butler

It is with sadness beyond words that the family of Michael Joseph Butler announces his passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital, February 1, 2007, following a valiant life-long battle with asthma. Michael was born May 7, 1933, in the small Newfoundland community of Portugal Cove South, Trepassey. The deaths of his mother and father, Elizabeth and Dennis, resulted in Michael being raised at the age of seven by his caring and courageous sister, Frances Fontaine, and her husband, Edward, who was the lighthouse keeper at Cape Bauld. Together they raised Michael and Edward’s nephew, Wilfred, and ensured their access to education when the only transportation to the nearest school was by boat. It was during his high school years in the outport of Conche, that he met the woman who was to become the one and only love of his life, Mary Byrne. Upon graduation (and a brief stint at teaching), Michael pursued a radio-operator’s course at the Saint John Vocational School. He worked briefly for Marconi Canada in Frobisher Bay, and eventually took a job with Trans Canada Airways, soon to become Air Canada. Michael was truly dedicated to his job as radio operator, and only retired from Air Canada after almost 37 years of service. He loved his work, and his dedication to the company was shown when on many a bitterly cold morning at 4:00 am he fought the elements to get to work, only to end up hours later at the Emergency Dept. Michael enjoyed telling many a tale from his memories of Newfoundland, and following retirement he and Mary shared some of their best years together on the marshes and ponds of Trepassey. In recent years, when his battle with asthma began to consume his life, he deeply regretted not getting back for a little fishing and berry picking, and to see his dear sisters. Michael loved the simple pleasures of life, but above all, he lived for his family: a caring and faithful husband, who trusted his care to the woman who loved him the most; a father “extraordinaire”, who lived by example, and what an example he was; the consummate optimist, and a role model for us all. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Mary, his devoted daughter, Frances (Jean-Claude), his four sons, Michael (Rolyne), Dennis (Heather), Christopher (Nicole), and Edward (Donna); sisters Irene Sutton and Kathleen Philpott; his grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Sarah Butler, Kelsey Butler, Mathilde Butler, Delphine Butler, Michael Roger Butler, Jordan Butler, Thomas Gallant, and Jean-Christophe Butler; several nieces and nephews, and the Byrne family who loved and respected Michael as a brother. He will be dearly missed by Maggie, Emily, and Sophie. He is predeceased by his parents Dennis and Elizabeth Butler, sisters Elizabeth, Mary, and his beloved sister Frances, “Uncle” Edward, cousin Wilfred Fontaine. Resting at Brennan’s Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506) 634-7424 with visiting on Saturday from 7-9 pm and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Pius X Church, Somerset St., Monday, Feb. 5, at 11 am. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the NB Lung Association or a charity of the donor’s choice.