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.
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26 Responses
due to the fact that i am working so many shifts i am sorry i cannot make saturday afternoon. i will be in bed sleeping before the service and getting up about 1900hrs to go to work. i remember coming down to bremerton wa. when i was 16 going to mt rainer with miss b and youth group at your house before going to mt rainer. i am working 12 graveyard shifts at independant living in ladysmith as well as driving during the day plus doing ground work and involved with medical alert sales. would love to see everyone again but i have to do all of this to keep everything going. i also deliver 6 days a week during the day.want to buy a farm.250-324-6666 or 250-701-5338. miss b has been such a great inspiration in my life. it is so incredible on how she has helped so many of us in all our lives.
Rev.E Laura Butler was one of the kindest andmost gentle people I have been privileged to know. True bright light in this world! We have many fond memories of Laura as she toured us around Victoria and Camp Pringle! We will miss you! Rev. Laura was a first cousin of my mother.
Miss B had the sweetest, warmest smile of any person I have known. It was an exact mirror of her soul. She knew how to love and did so unconditionally. That never changed. She will not be forgotten.
Having enjoyed a very close friendship with Laura over many years, I often remember snippets of her life and our friendship. She enjoyed all types of music and for many years we enjoyed many wonderful musical afternoons at the Victoria Symphony with other friends. We were always welcomed into her home for tea at a moments notice after a days outing, and there were many wonderful outings over the many years of our friendship. Her compassion for others, her deep love of church, family, friends,and her steadfast faith and trust in God and the world around her was remarkable. Laura was a truly remarkable woman. A treasured friend. Her presence will be missed by all who knew her. Her light continues to shine as she rests in peace with God.
I, as so many, remember Miss B’s wonderful smile, her warmth and her hearty laugh. So many memories of our days at Metropolitan United Church, with her as our youth leader .. confirmation; later, officiating at our wedding; and even later, christening our children. She was a true gift to the church and to the people whom she touched.
In our thoughts and prayers.
Miss B. was a very special lady; a “fixture” with a warm smile and lovely personality at Metropolitan United Church during my child/young adulthood years. My paternal grandparents were on the Board of Stewards, and my grandmother was head of the Primary Department (Sunday School) at Metropolitan for 50+ years. Miss B. knew our extended family very well. She married us, baptized some of us, confirmed many of us, and buried a lot of us. We will always be grateful for her kind supportive presence in our lives. Rest in peace Miss B. You will be missed, but know that your work on earth was an invaluable comfort to so many.
I first met Rev. Laura Butler as a young girl in Metropolitan Church and aside from my sisters’ marriages which were performed by her, I have not seen her since. I am now 70 yrs. old and have been away from Victoria for a long time but her face is as clear to me as ever. She was perhaps the kindliest minister I have ever known. She laughed easily and was always warm and generous with her time. I think her influence on me as a young girl always stayed with me as my memories of her are still very vivid. She was a wonderful compassionate person who was much loved for being inspirational and also displayed the human qualities we should all aspire to. My condolences to all the family.
Dear Cousin Laura. We remember with fondness our visit to you and your visit to us. We may not have been close in miles but always close in our hearts and shared love of our Savior God. You are truly home now. Save us a spot. Your Ontario relatives Larry, Susan, Robin, and Sharon.
Sincere condolences from The Tangen families.
Rev. Butler played a huge role in our lives. She married us in 1967 at Metropolitan united lovely photos of her leaning over while we signed register
then baptisms 1970, 1973. Married our daughter in 2003, baptised their girl in the house in 2006, came to my home when Mum passed on in 2014.
On all these occasions, Laura (Miss B) was the most positive of souls. We all
thought the world of her. God Bless.