William E. Butler

William E. Butler “Bill” age 82, of Grants Pass, passed into heaven March 22, 2015 at his home while holding hands with family.

Bill was born May 27, 1932 to Lance & Grace Butler in Seattle, Washington. He spent his youth in Inglewood, California active with paper routes and boy scouting, achieving Eagle Scout honors - ultimately inspiring his career choice of Forestry. In 1950 he graduated Inglewood High School and one year later enlisted in U.S. Air Force serving through the Korean War. Luckily while stationed near Spokane, Washington a blind-date matched him with the love of his life, Dona. They married August 19, 1955 in Los Angeles near his family home. Taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, he graduated U.C. Berkeley Forestry in 1959. Soon they had four children and enjoyed moving the family to assignments in Ketchikan, Alaska, Southern Oregon, and Darrington and Lake Wenatchee, Washington. They retired in 1987 to their forever home in Grants Pass enjoying fishing, traveling, church and grandchildren.

Bill’s membership included the Masons; Elks; NARFE; NW Steelheaders and Trout Unlimited where he was active in the teaching youth to fish program, river clean up, and legal rights for public use of our rivers; and Calvary Lutheran Church where he served as yard crew foreman, usher captain, and men’s breakfast and soup supper organizer.

In 1970 Bill received the U.S. Boy Scout “Scout Master of the Year,” was the 1995 House Bill 2697 Navigability Studies whistle blower, and received the 2002 Bronze and 2005 Silver Aquatic and Angler Education instructor awards.

His hobbies include fishing, hunting, K7TMU HAM radio operator, gardening, U.S.A. and international travel, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Dona Butler; four children, William L. Butler, Bonnie Butler, David Butler, and Deborah Butler Wooden; and nine grandchildren, Farren, Pete, Tierney, Nels, Mollie, Haley, Hunter, Roy, and Max.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Lance Butler and Grace Estergreen Butler; and his brother, Jack Butler.

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 909 NE A Street, Grants Pass with Pastor Dave Johnsen officiating.

Remembrances may be made R.O.C. Food Pantry or Relay for Life.