Reverend E. Laura Butler passed peacefully to heaven on May 23, 2017, at home and surrounded by friends, as was her wish. She was predeceased by her parents, Rev Ralph and Elisabeth Butler, her Auntie Grace Baker, and her brother, Rev Ralph Butler. She leaves behind her sister-in-law, Wanda Butler of Bremerton, WA, her oldest friend of 76 years, Dr. Jacquie Martin, of Tacoma, WA and many other very close friends who she considered her family.
“Miss B” lived a remarkable life, filled with her faith and love for others. She was never too busy for anybody in need, and she fostered a love for God in many people throughout her years of ministry at Metropolitan United Church, in her work with youth, and with her passion and support of Camp Pringle at Shawnigan Lake.
A service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, June 17th at 2:00 PM at First Metropolitan United, 932 Balmoral Road, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Laura’s memory to the BCSPCA, Our Place, Victoria Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, George Pringle Memorial Camp Society or a charity of your choice.
God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
26 Responses
I have always wondered how Reverend Butler was doing and thought of her often throughout my life. I searched for her here and found her. She married me and my first husband Wayne Mowat (who sadly passed away after only 12 years of marriage in 1980 . She was a pillar of strength to me at that time along with our three small children having to go on without him. When I returned to Victoria for the funeral of my mother-in-law , I remember the angelic face of kindness in her eyes. I didn’t have to say a word as she smiled at me and asked if I was happy. I simply nodded as tears rolled down my face just seeing her there. I was fortunate to have married once again to the most wonderful man who helped raise my three children and his son for the next 43 years. Recently, he too passed away to be with the Lord Jesus. Reverend Laura Butler was an amazing wonderful woman who had time for anyone no matter what and I am truly blessed to be her friend. May you rest now in the arms of Jesus.
I wish I had attended, my condolences to her loved ones.
Rev Laura Butler was wonderful role model for me, in 1970 leading a congregation with her kind solid, wisdom, made me feel like women leaders were part of life, years later when she married us, bringing a peaceful, reverent focus of effort and kindness to our new task at hand. Asking our thoughts on LGB in UC theology, my response was – Did they meet the qualifications. She smiled.
Beautiful soul who lives on in me and undoubtedly many, many others. Still married 35 years! Thank you.
Miss B was a family friend for decades… I was just thinking of her and a search came up with her beautiful tribute
I am one of the many honoured and blessed by special memories of this beautiful woman.
I had the pleasure of talking with Rev. Butler by phone and I’m sorry I never got the chance to meet her in person. She spoke very fondly of her time at Boston University’s School of Theology. A visit from her good friend, Dr. Harrell Beck, to her church in 1995 after so many years, was a highlight. Her generous support of the Beck Chair of Hebrew Scripture, named in his honor, was much appreciated. On behalf of the School of Theology we send our condolences to her family and close friends.
God bless,
Ray Joyce
BU School of Theology
Dear Laura
I wish we could have spent more time together but living 9000km away made it complicated. You were such a great person and all the moments spent with you were full of joy. I will always remember your way of laughing, your way if trying to say some french words. You were so kind and generous; if everyone on this planet was like you there would be no more wars.
I will miss you
Rest in peace
Love
LAURA,
La vie m’a offert le grand privilège de te rencontrer sur le chemin de la vie, quelle joie !!!
Ta gaieté, ton humour, ta générosité, ta spontanéité, ta grande vision des choses faisait que la vie paraissait être une aventure passionnante.
Avec deux diamants comme toi et Jacquie je me sens très riche de cette amitié si particulière que vous m’avez offert.
Ton souvenir continuera d’illuminer ma vie à travers tous les souvenirs que j’ai eu la grande joie de partager à tes côtés.
Merci pour tout ce que tu as su transmettre avec autant de naturel et de joie.
Repose en paix.
LAURA,
Life has given me the great privilege of meeting you on the path of life, what joy!
Your gaiety, your humor, your generosity, your spontaneity, your great vision of things made life seem like an exciting adventure.
With two diamonds like you and Jacquie, I feel very rich with that special friendship you have offered me.
Your memory will continue to illuminate my life through all the memories that I had the great joy of sharing with you.
Thank you for all that you have transmitted with such naturalness and joy.
Rest in peace.