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
How “Miss B” enhanced my life. Year 1967, my husband, our 3 year old son and I moved to Victoria. I didn’t know a soul. We obviously dropped a comment card at a Sunday morning service. Laura phoned, found that I was a young mother and immediately looped me into the Young Mothers Group…how I needed that contact and the friendships that followed. Then, I soon found myself working with her (and Danny) as a CGIT leader…what a group we had ! Our daughter arrived, of course baptized by Laura. Camp time came again at George Pringle, No, I couldn’t go and help, after all I had a baby. ” Of course you can” says Miss B…..just strap the baby onto your back and you will be Camp Mom. It was a wonderful camp that year. I will ferry across Saturday to honour a very special person. Will I perhaps see some of those young Moms (now grandmothers) or those special CGIT or camp girls ! Our memories will be about Miss B….we honour her….she was the best !
Reverend Butler officiated at our wedding in August of 1981. I remember her with gratitude. My husband Frank Harrold and I extend sincere condolences to her family.
Wonderful thoughts, warm memories of Rev. Laura from a 1956-61 CGIT gal with St. Aidan’s, Victoria Counsel and at George Pringle camp. Laura was a caring mentor. Thoughts and prayers are with family on her passing. Miss B” will be well remembered by many as she rests in peace with our God, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Miss B will truly be missed. She always enjoyed dealing with the children especially in Confirmation class. After the classes were Confirmed each year, she would take the class over to Sol Duc Hot Springs and to visit Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic Mountains in Washington State, USA. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.
I’m glad for the opportunity to acknowledge what a special person Laura was. An enlightened soul with a counsellor’s expertise at communication, she made everyone feel listened to, heard. A very rare thing these days. When someone like Laura comes into your life you never forget them. I will miss having tea and dinners with her. These are now treasured memories. Since time goes by in the ‘blink of an eye’ it won’t be too long before I meet you in the Garden for tea Laura. We’ll have another gathering. Lots of Love.
I think she started her ministry at the skyway Methodist church in the late 40s. I think she baptized me.if anyone knows this is correct please let me know.
Rain tears herald a storm of pain in the lament of the wind…
The heart struggles against invading grief…
Let go…no, let God! What? Another good bye?
My very best anchor, Laurie, so solidly welded
to my aching spirit…oh my friend,my other self,
In the strength of God’s eternal love
we believe beyond proof… You will not just leave
You will prepare the way… ce n’est qu’un AU REVOIR! JM
This made me so sad today! I loved Miss B, and remember so many happy experiences with her in my earlier days. She was my mentor when I taught Sunday School at Metropolitan United; and she even officiated at my marriage (twice!). She was a very special person, and I remember her fondly. Rest in peace, Miss B.
Reverend Butler officiated at my wedding 47 years ago. She was a sweet, kind person who shone God’s light into every corner. She was a constant and faithful servant.
She Blooms Where She’s Planted
To a remarkable lady, “Miss B”, I will cherish our time together, Thanks be to God