It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dad, Clarence Butler on Monday, June 6, 2022, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, following a short illness.
Dad was born January 2, 1926, in Clarke’s Beach, NL, to the late Walter and Sadie (Bradbury) Butler.
He was a member of the Salvation Army Sydney Community Church. A lover of music, he taught himself to play guitar and was an amazing singer who enjoyed getting together with others, sharing their talents. He also recorded himself singing to share with family and friends.
Dad is survived by his sons, Richard (Florence), Terry (Debbie), Gary (Theresa), Keith and Kevin (Janice); daughters, Joan MacDonald (the late George Allison) and Sharon Butler (Fred Cook); daughter-in-law, Marie MacLean; sisters, Phoebe (the late Eddie) Porter and Irlene Cottiers (the late Phil); and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Clarence was predeceased by two brothers and one sister in infancy and sisters, Sadie Ells (the late Jules), Dorothy Manuge (the late John) and Olive Sheppard (the late Alfie).
At age 13, dad went to work at Sydney Steel where he was employed until he retired at the age of 64. He was also the neighborhood TV repairman, along with being a backyard mechanic. Dad always said he was a jack of all trades, but master of none, though always proving he was proficient in anything he tackled.
For most of their lives, dad and mom camped, until about two years ago when life changes took place, but he continued to look after mom the best he could. Wherever he travelled, dad made friends and left each one with one of his puns. He wished to live to the age of 100, but the good Lord had other plans. One of his most common sayings was, “If I don’t see you again…Hello!” On this heartbreaking day we say, hello to our dad, grandfather, brother and uncle and until we meet again, we will forever love and miss you.
Thank you to all who loved him and offered their kindness and friendship. For the nursing staff who showed him compassion and empathy. To the homecare girls who treated him like family. For his jellybean who shared his humor and love of Jeopardy, filling those evenings when time seemed so long. For all the grandchildren who loved him from near and far. Poppy will forever be in our hearts. And to leave all of you, my last words are, “If I don’t arrive before I came I’ll arrive shortly thereafter …
Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Friday, June 10 from 4-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the Salvation Army Sydney Community Church on Saturday, June 11 at 11 a.m. with Majors Wayne and Cavell Loveless officiating. Interment will take place in Hardwood Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
Psalm 73:26 – My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Clarence Butler 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia