Surrounded by the love of his family, Butch passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. Cherished and loving husband of Leslie Symes; beloved son of Shirley Ottmann; loving brother of Lynda (Bruce) Bowman; Carol Morningstar; Dave (Carol) Morningstar; Bill (Terry) Morningstar; and Susan Ottmann. Also survived by beloved nieces and nephews. Predeceased by stepfather, Ludwig Ottmann. Lovingly remembered by Leslie’s mother, Eileen Symes, sisters Pat (Dave) Wirtanen, and Marilyn (Chris) Bruce and their families.
Butch was born in Port Colborne, Ontario on July 15, 1954 and raised in Niagara Falls where he maintained lifelong friendships with his childhood buddies, known as the “Riff Raff Gang”.
After receiving a B.Sc. from the University of Guelph, Butch moved to BC and earned a M.Sc. in Geomorphology from Simon Fraser University. He then worked with Cuso International in the villages of Borneo. Returning to Canada, Butch worked in forestry consulting in Cranbrook. In 1997, Butch joined the BC Public Service in Smithers and in 2007 moved to Victoria to work in the Mines Division of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. Passionate about integrated resource management his most recent role was Executive Director, Business Lead, Natural Resource Sector Transformation Secretariat.
Butch enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in Dunnville, Ontario, a good game of golf, Christmas, camping, his dogs, music and a fine glass of red wine, but most of all he was known for his love of family and friends. Butch believed in, and lived, the core values of life — honesty, integrity, respecting others opinions and treating others as they wished to be treated. A wonderful man.
Many thanks to the staff on 8 South at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, and at the BC Cancer Agency, for their compassionate care of Butch.
A “Celebration of Butch’s Life” will be held on Sunday, March 1st at 3:00 p.m., Uplands Golf Course, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria. A celebration will also take place in Niagara Falls at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please give someone a hug today.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
14 Responses
From a long lost friend. Only recently found of Butch’s passing. He’ll be forever missed remembered with me. My condolences to his loving wife and family. And to Shirley Ottmann whom I have occassionally kept in contact with, his brother’s and sisters. We all grew up in the same neighbourhood and went to school together. May God be with you Butch.
Kevin
He was my boss in Cranbrook. Kimmur forestry was a great work experience for me and I know Butch was a big part of that. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Butch,
I will remember you for ~
Your absolute devotion to Leslie
Your incomparable generosity of spirit
Your sincere passion for the important things in life
Your kind heart
I will miss your big bear hugs
Rest in Peace Butch
My deepest condolences to Leslie
and to Butch and Leslie’s families
We were so sad to hear of Butch’s passing. While we weren’t lucky enough to get to spend as much time with Butch as we would have liked, we knew that he made Auntie Leslie very happy. We are so thankful for all of the joy he brought to our family and are thinking of you all today.
Wish we could be there with you.