Gilbert’s Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of the late Gilbert Butt announce his sudden passing at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Center, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL on Sunday, May 22, 2022. Gilbert Wallace Stephen Butt, age 79 years, of Lewisporte (formerly of Exploits Islands).
Gilbert was born on April 19, 1943 at Exploits Islands to the late George Wilfred and Deitha Mary (Clarke) Butt. Gilbert moved with his family to Lewisporte when the government resettled residents of Exploits Islands around 1962. In 1963, he met a 14-year-old Marion Harnett at Rideout’s Drive-in at Campbellton. It was in this community that they married on November 26, 1971. Together, they raised three children: Carolyn, Donny, and Elizabeth.
Gilbert was predeceased by parents George Wilfred (1977) and Deitha Mary Butt (1990); infant brother Andrew (1936); sister Floella Amelia Merle Butt (2019); special cousin Ben Butt (2014); special niece Elizabeth “Betty” Harnett (1974); brothers-in-law Frank Frost, Gerald Harnett, Roland Harnett, and George Harnett; friend Dan Hobbs.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 50 years, Marion; children Carolyn, Donny, and Elizabeth; grandkitties Dudley, Kirby and Minnie; his cats Punkin and Bud; special cousins Beulah (Jim) Gruchy and Edward (Betty) Small; lifelong best friend Daniel Seymour; sisters-in-law Florence Harnett and Alma Frost; plus a very, very large circle of friends.
Gilbert began work as a truck driver in the mid 1960s; first working for Mr. Frank Haynes, Imperial Oil, and in mid 1972 he began his 20-year-run with Shell Canada. After this, he worked with Seaboard until January 2000 when his chronic back issues forced him to retire early. He maintained an impeccable safe driving record throughout his career, so much so that he received many awards and in 1991, Shell Canada presented an award for the best driving safety record in Canada at Montebello, Quebec by then-speed skating Olympic champion Gaèton Boucher. At a young age, Gilbert purchased a book called “The 5 minute guitar lesson book.” He taught himself to play by ear, never by notes. He played in bands in different venues throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. He made an acoustic guitar talk. He had such a passion for guitar that he passed it on to his many guitar students over the years, some young, some old, and every age in between. Gilbert made many friends throughout his 79 years. He seemed to know someone in every corner of the world. He had a love for history, story telling, practical jokes, and meeting new people. He had an amazing memory right up to the end. He will be lovingly remembered by many relatives of the Butt and Clarke families.
Public visitation will take place from Gordon Woolfrey Funeral Home, 262 Main Street, Lewisporte on Friday, May 27th from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. The Funeral Service will take place from St. Matthews United Church, Lewisporte on Saturday, May 28th at 2 PM. Interment will follow at the United Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gilbert’s memory may be made to help his youngest daughter, Elizabeth, with expenses incurred for cancer treatments. Donations may be made by cash, cheque, or etransfer to elizabethdbutt@gmail.com.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gilbert Wallace Stephen Butt 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Lewisporte, Province: T-N