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Harold Madison Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Harold Madison
October 3, 2022
Mr.Butch and his Mystery Band.Sunday afternoon shows at the Middle East Cafe,.audience of 2,3, maybe 4 people,..we played like we were playing to a sold-out show in Fenway Ball Park.
Richard Pinto
September 23, 2022
I'm sorry to hear that my long time musician friend has passed away. He was a great musician.
A L
September 17, 2021
Honor and respect to you Mr. Butch.
1869 BEACON ST
April 22, 2021
1869 BEACON ST REMEMBERS MR BUTCH
Ronald Frustaglia
October 13, 2018
I will never forget how you made me smile on one of the worst days of my life. love you your majesty and i will always carry you in my heart.
Mr. Gil
June 14, 2018
You were one of a kind. Always made me feel just as famous as you.
Larry Kelley
December 26, 2016
Miss and Love ya my friend
March 31, 2016
REMEMBER YOU AT 1869 BEACON STREET
j clifford
March 5, 2015
always love you
Mateo Feo
March 4, 2015
You walked me to high school in Kenmore after I was in an accident on Storrow. You put the accudent and the loss in perspective and lifted my spirits when I was just a moody teen vexed about my new car gone. Thank you.
June 17, 2014
I just found out today (6/16/14). When I worked at Store 24 and Au Bon Pain in Kenmore I would hang with him (we'd play guitars together) So sad to learn of this. Erich (860) 977-8994
jimmy cliff
January 3, 2014
always remember you have a gallery of you someday published
eternal love
bugsy
January 2, 2014
slept under the storrow drive under pass with him, missed last train, he gave me his bed and blanket, you are missed Mr, Butch,
January 2, 2014
he helped so many, give you the shirt off his back,i slept unger the storrow drive off ramp with him one night ,had missed the kast train, he gave me his bed and blanket, truly the gentleman, miss you butch
Pam
October 6, 2013
Your love still warms us, Mr Butch.
jimmy
September 25, 2013
happy birthday
mayor of brighton and kenmore sq
kevin j.
September 24, 2013
Rathskellar with Mr. butch out front burnt into my memory.
Larry Kelley
September 24, 2013
Not forgotten my friend
Joel
June 12, 2013
I never saw/met/heard of Mr. Butch til only a few weeks ago. He has had a profound impact on my life with his words and energy. Thanks Mr. Butch
Leslie Wheatley
August 23, 2012
Thanks Mr Butch- street prophet, for all of the wisdom and laughter xo DJ LESLIE
Judy Lefavour
December 26, 2010
Auld lang syne. Mr. Butch crystallized the essence of a generation: I will always be obliged. RIP.
George
December 26, 2010
Missing you still Mr. Lord Mayor of Kenmore Square. I owe you one bro. God speed.
Dave Harding
December 7, 2010
I will always feel lucky to have lived in Allston in the days when the Mr Butch Show was broadcast live from the streets and even luckier to have gotten to spend some time with Mr Butch backstage.
Angela Hartt
July 12, 2010
Today thinking about my own morbidity and accidental fate. It popped into my head that today was when mr. butch died.
So now today is Mr. Butch Day. Some day it will be a real holiday. But for today i will get some friends to buy me a tall boy, take a walk around the park , and teach people to think free. Have a nice day, everyone
Jenni R
July 3, 2010
I was missing your wonderful wisdom today and googled you and was elated to see all of the websites, articles, and even documentaries dedicated to an Allston favorite. When you're dead, you're done... and you may be physically done, but boy, buddy, have you lived on or what!?
Boz Mazz
February 25, 2010
Best wishes from San Diego. Two years, too late. RIP Mr. Butch.
Maryann Boston Native
July 8, 2009
I remember Mr. Butch in Kenmore Square in the early to mid 80s. I'm a native Bostonian but was unfamiliar with Kenmore Square. As often as I was there (a friend worked at Strawberries Records in Kenmore) I saw him and took note that he seemed at times calm and at other times, interested in striking up a conversation. When I heard that he had passes away I was very sad. He was an original, the one the only Mr. Butch, Mayor of Kenmore Square and beyond. May he rest in peace.
Michael Brunelle
December 2, 2008
Mr. Butch was the first person I ever met in Boston, when I came there to go to Emerson in 1981. I was walking around Kenmore Square with my Instamatic camera, when he approached me about weed (I didn't have any). I asked him if I could take his photo and he agreed. He got up on top of a mailbox and started flailing his arms around wildly while I snapped. I still have the photo. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. Now there really is no reason to go back to Boston.
Jim
October 31, 2008
Hey Butch, Just found out you passed on. Well we spent many a day drinking and singing in the park and on the streets of Kenmore. Dollar beers and hotdogs at Fathers Too on Sunday with Mike the Rock and Mike the Pretzel. Seems like so long ago, I am proud to say you are my friend. Remember the time we met the vanilla lady? Anyway I imagine we will catch up again in the future and do some dancin' and singing and drinkin etc...
Jim
Mike Lewis
August 31, 2008
Butch,
Haven't seen you in 15 years. For some reason I googled your name tonight, and read the news...Damn.
I was going to NESOP when I met you. I wanted to say thanks for putting a smile on my face and making my stay in the area a better, and no doubt a more memorable one
George D
August 6, 2008
I attended an alternative high school in Kenmore Sq back in the early 80's. You were there to brighten up our days. Never hateful or bitter, which you can find in a homeless person. Not you, Mr. Butch. You were always friendly and had a great big smile on your face. Your dreads and beard will always stick in my mind when you are thought of. I will miss you dearly.
God Bless you, Mr. Butch. You found your true home.
Tim Coughlan
August 3, 2008
It's been a year. Allston sucks without you. I'm seizure-free six months now and I bought a Vespa. Symptoms might return and they say i need surgery but I'm tired of walking everywhere.
I think of you everytime I ride on brighton ave.
keith allen
June 28, 2008
wish i had known you.hopefully meet you in heaven
June 16, 2008
Hey Butch. It's now been over a year since you've been missing from the streets, but I still think about you and the few great times we had. Allston and the rest of Boston ain't the same without you. I miss your slouching self hanging in front of Marty's, your chaotic music, and your extended hand. You were the epitome of freedom. Hope all is well. -HH
John Rainone
May 28, 2008
Life is not about the air you breath, but about the moments that take your breath away... Your very being was one of those moments caught in a loop Mr Butch, for so so many of the people who were blessed enought to have met you - and even more so for those that called you friend. May you have found an eternal home in heaven Mr Butch, you are missed...
Lisa connolly
March 29, 2008
Hey Butch
Your friend you called little one ,my smoking buddy.
Thanks for those sunday mourings at the rat,getting my ice and putting the three stooges on because I couldn't reach the T.V.
Jim Ryan in the kitchen of the rat one cold day the three of us were hanging out ,Jim said ask him anything he has the answer.So as I was cutting onoins I said why do they make you cry.He said "Well little lady way back in the vegtable world no-one would take the onion seious, so now when you cut it ,it will make you cry.YOU WERE COOL!!!!!!!
GOD BLESS MY FRIEND ,I WAS HAPPY TO CALL MY FRIEND!!!
P.S. thanks for letting me have your motorcycle riding course booklet to get my license.
LOVE YA MAN
Till we meet again
Love
Lisa Connolly
Deadenz@ comcast.net
marlene earl
December 2, 2007
Mr.Butch, you are sorely missed,Beantown was lucky to have ya for as long as we did. You have taught me much. LUV maearl
Andy Deckard
November 4, 2007
It's sad to hear that Mr. Butch has passed on. I remember him well as I was a student at Berklee and had digs there in the mid '80's. He participated in some recordings I played on with Boston's very own OBE. Free beer and slices from here out Mr. Butch. You will be forever missed.
Jan Ference
October 22, 2007
Oct.2007
I first met Mr.Butch back in the 80's when I was dating a man named Tony Allen who worked nights at the parking garage behind the old Aku Aku resturant at Kenmore Sq..Mr.Butch was a friend of Tony and thats how I met him.
Over the years I'd see him hanging around Kenmore Sq..
I was pretty shocked when I found out he had died.But I'm even more shocked to find out that there is all this stuff written about this guy.
It's strange because only a week ago I was in Allston with a friend and I thought I saw Mr.Butch,and I was telling my friend about him.Now a week later I'm walking with my friend on Harvard Ave.in Allston and I see the photos of Mr.Butch posted in the window of the Tattoo shop,and read about his death.I guess Mr.Butch wanted to let me know that he has gone to a better place.
Officer Lou
September 26, 2007
I came across a cell phone pic of Mr. Butch tonite and it got me thinking. He was standing outside Junkyard Dog on Brighton Avenue at Linden Street when I captured his true essence you would say. This was a few days before his fatal accident. He apparently was waiting for a food order and stepped outside likely to check on his scooter which was parked out of my site. Everyone was talking about this thing up and down the Avenue. He stated he was delivering food. There was a sense of gayety in his voice, which led me to know he was sober and things were good in Mr. Butch's world. He was wearing what became a trade mark "Mr. Butch look". Blue Superman shirt (logo on chest), flat black half helmet stuffed over a mickle of dreadlocks and a dark colored trench coat sized for someone 5'8 instead of his 6'3 frame. He leaned forward ducking down toward the police car window with hands clenched and resting on his waist. A superman pose indeed! I chuckled deep inside but kept up the pretentious attitude if only for a moment and then asked for a picture. He gladly posed. A superman pose. The last few nights the BPD has kindly placed me on foot patrol again. As I walk the street I recall several years earlier you discussing getting a scooter and moving to Lawrence. I recall you asking me to "tazer" you for some unknown Mr. Butch reason and I recall you barking to the booking officer at the police station. I'm Mr. Butch... I don't have a telephone number...I don't have an occupation...I don't have an address. Tell her who I am Officer Louis?" All I could do was laugh. More good moments than bad. "Ocean Frank" Mr. Butch take care!
Erich Thaler
September 23, 2007
I will forever be grateful for all the words shared by this man, to learn and live, to grow and love a little more to honor a great man. The Passing of one who was "always there" teaches us all to be "always here". With Love
Brian Nowell
September 21, 2007
I knew of your legacy for only a short time, and I am sorry to never have met you before your death...I am sure that someday we will meet...Boston hardcore will never be the same without you
Forrest (Woody) Trenholm
September 20, 2007
I didn't know him well. But drank a few with him behind the Rat a couple of times. Goodbye Mr.Butch.
Bridget Reilly
September 12, 2007
It's mind-boggling to realize that many of the college students who venerate Mr. Butch today weren't even born yet at the time I first knew him in 1979. I remember a much younger and fresh-faced Butch, still in his late 20's and still with one foot in the mainstream.
Butch's entire adult life was pretty much defined within the parameters of that punk street culture; mine progressed beyond it. We both spent a lot of years being homeless, but our lives went in very different directions.
By the time he became the "icon" he's known as now, I was living on the opposite coast. I just happened to get the news of his death from an old Boston friend on the internet. What a sad way for him to end!
Deirdre (the name he knew me by)
Jude&Nancy Tomaski
August 19, 2007
Goodbye Mr.Butch
The Mayor of Allston
Rick Pierotti
August 12, 2007
May GOD Always Bless You Mr.Butch!
Matthew Mattingly
August 9, 2007
I got to know Butch Madison in Worcester back in the early 70's; he used to stay at my place on Blake St, near Kelly Square (Al Astrella lived there too, see post below). Worcester had a thriving street scene at the time, with many colorful characters, but Butch stood out even in that crowd. Once he and I loaded ourselves down with every musical instrument we could get our hands on and thumbed into Boston, where we set up on the Comm Ave meridian near Copley Square and played music of the uniquely Madisonian style that fans of Mr. Butch have come to know and love.He charmed our audience of random street people and curious passersby. Later, I moved to Boston and didn't see Butch until I was at a rather posh party thrown by a coworker at Hampshire House on Beacon Hill, when who should appear but Butch in all his dreadlocked glory, happily and dancing and conversing with the preppy revelers.He really had a gift for connecting with people, while making no compromises with convention that would lead to the false, empty and boring interactions that we usually settle for.
My friend Larry (see post re chess and music, July 22) and I were once leaving an art class in Kenmore Square with our sketch pads in hand and Mr. Butch came up and greeted us with "Look! It's a pair of drawers!"
His death is a loss for us all, and makes me wish that our world had more space for people like Butch (is anyone "like" him? I mean people who don't knuckle under to convention) to live and thrive. I love seeing all the testimonials to this great spirit on this guest book.
Kevin Kit Parker
August 3, 2007
Mr. Butch, when I saw you on July 5, if I had known it was for the last time, I would have chatted longer. From my time in Kenmore Square in 1984 and off and on for the next 23 years you were a welcome feature of this city. RIP.
Crazy Legs
August 2, 2007
Mr. Butch: There are a million wonderful thoughts swirling around about you. You deserve them all..
Chris Dahlstedt
July 30, 2007
Mr. Butch was always a welcome sight and he represented what was cool about Kenmore Sq. so long ago. I used to work at a local shop in the mid 80's and always saw him in front of the Pizza Pad saying hi to people and playing his guitar. A peaceful, funny guy, he lived his own life, free and happy. R.I.P. Mr. Butch
Tiffany Madison
July 28, 2007
I never meet mr. butch, but my heart hurts to have known him. Mr. butch was my fathers brother, but he left us way befor i was born, but hearing you all tell his beautiful stories makes it all that much easyer.Thank you ALL.
michael meehan
July 27, 2007
iwas his pal he was my spirituasl
support
im from allston and dave and all the old hippies and i from th e bostn common days are butchs friend
with his grace i will act like him
humble but way beyong most people
he was atrue genius not just as a musician
ramonics fan clubber
Kris P
July 27, 2007
I remember you back in 1982 when I was only 16 and thought you were the most magnificent person I had ever seen. Every time I spotted you since that time that same picture and thought would enter my mind.
Thanks for brightening my world.
jim
July 26, 2007
when there was a fathers i think there where four. a friend of mine called mugger would bring me and my friend john ( meat loaf) both passed , too fathers two. sure it was a drinking place . but one sunday night mr. butch came in and rick said that is the mayor of kenmore square would you like to meet him. the next thing i knew we were out back partying and out talking the b. u. police and them telling us to go inside. he really was a great man and friend to every and any. i am glad to have met him .i too was very sad when i was told of the bad news.thanks for the happy memories Mr. Butch (THE MAYOR OF KENMORE SQUARE,LORD CITGO) one of many brothers.
Hank Smith
July 26, 2007
My first Mr Butch sighting.(1980-83)..Boylston street. Mr Butch skating(trend at the time) middle of the street,battery powered amp on back,painted face,playing jimmy Hendrix.tunes(1980-83)Being a musician,htat was what i call free styling,,Rock on "Mr Butch"
Al Astrella
July 26, 2007
Butch 'ol buddy, I will always remember the old days on castle Hill in Worcester during the early 70's. I'll miss 'ya. My thoughts and prayers for your family. RIP From one of your oldest friends, Al Astrella
tim clifford
July 25, 2007
Mr. Butch will NEVER be forgotten.I had him on my radio show at WMFO in '85 when he ran for governor.If only he had won.He was truly a better man than ANY politician.R.I.P. Mr B. we miss you
donna cliff
July 25, 2007
im still here
i miss the etc out of you
sold your handsome mug to news today
good news for your family impending
love
[redoing all your photos before i sell em]
subs for the street people
Francis Saint
Mikey Vegas
July 24, 2007
My favorite memory of Butch is from my 21st birthday (all too long ago). Walking through Kenmore on my way to the 57 bus, I stopped to talk to him as I did most days back then, and it came up that it was my birthday. "Well I gotta give ya' somethin'" he said, and began hunting around in the giant overcoat he wore that winter, and came up with a daily numbers lottery ticket that somebody must have given him. I didn't want to take it, but how could anyone refuse Butch? Maybe we'll share some winnings upstairs someday, because a heaven without Butch would be no heaven at all.
Sleep tight, Butch.
H. Hauptmann
July 24, 2007
I miss you Butch. You were the man. Thanks for all the good times. This town is forever dead without you.
Ron B
July 24, 2007
God Speed Mr. Butch heres to hoping theres Rock and Roll in Heaven and if there wasn't any now that your there I'm sure there is now.
Kathy & Marc
July 24, 2007
When I worked in the Fenway, not a day went by when Mr. Butch wouldn't come to say hello and collect the "taxes". One day, when he came to collect, I didn't have any money. "I don't have anything for you today buddy" I said. "Not even enough to buy a coffee to wake up"... "That's Ok" was his reply... "Don't you know it's tax refund day? You get your taxes back!" With that huge friendly grin, he handed me a dollar and told me to go buy a coffee. I'll never forget it. Butch, you were truly a beautiful person. Thank you for remembering my name and for all the tax refunds. May you rest in peace knowing that your job here is done, and you did it better than anyone else could have.
Mr. Butch, it was a pleasure sharing tall boys and stories with you over the years. You were a force of nature and your memory will live on forever. We'll never forget you Mr. Butch! RIP friend.
Suzanne
July 24, 2007
I met Mr. Butch in the early 80's when he was the Mayor of Kenmore Square. I worked at the Rat and lived in the building next to Pizza Pad. He was the Mayor of my front yard. Even if I left my building at 7 a.m. in a cranky mood, Butch would be there and he'd always have a kind word or crack me up. Rest in peace Mr. Butch and keep on smiling. We'll all miss you.
SM
July 23, 2007
I've never been much of a people person, and I regret that I never got to talk to Mr. Butch. But everytime I saw him I'd get excited. The last time I saw him he was parking his scooter, wearing his shirt with the Superman logo. I think it was fitting, he certainly was a sort of Superman.
Jizmo
July 23, 2007
As the Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz told the Tin Man, "A heart isn't measured by how much YOU love, but by how much you are loved by OTHERS."
The turnout at your parade as well as all the entries in this guestbook and every other form of remembrance is truly a testement to the heart that you had. You gave your heart to so many with that big infectious grin.
There are countless homeless and street drunks in the city. None has ever touched regular folks' lives and been a welcome beacon in the bustling city streets as our beloved Mr. Butch.
I'm sure that the intersection of Harvard and Comm Ave. will at least unofficially be known as Mr. Butch Square. Certainly a plaque will be placed. Hopefully a statue with that big ol' grin can be erected to welcome old friends and inspire new legions of Allstonians for years to come.
I consider myself fortunate to have lived in the same time and space as Mr. Butch, going back to the days of Kenmore Square in the 80s.
I really feel for the returning college students who knew Mr. Butch during their first year or two. Coming back in Sept. and not necessarily knowing that Mr. Butch won't be a fixture with the guitar, whistle and big grin will truly be bewildering.
Sadly, the end of a wonderous era.
Rest in Peace, my toll-collecting pal.
Leslie A.
July 23, 2007
Mr Butch was a gentle, approachable guy. He's gone; some "Euro- Bistro" has the Rat's liquor license and the reason I dye my hair now is to hide the gray.
Gabba Gabba Hey.
Candice Kinder-Elliott
July 23, 2007
Mr. Butch,
You truly are a legend. You will be missed.
paul free
July 23, 2007
i met Butch when he first hit Kenmore over 30 years ago. he always cheered me up like no one else could. last spoke to him 10 days before he died. my world is now a little colder and emptier. I'll see u soon Butch!
liz jones
July 23, 2007
u will me missed
s g collins
July 23, 2007
maybe we will remember butch the same way we remember people like john the baptist. maybe his life makes some kind of lasting statement to us which is worth keeping in mind. walking back from the giant parade last night, my friend suggested to me that maybe the thing to remember is that any of us can be mister butch, in two seconds, if we just reach out our hands to strangers as he did. i'm glad i met mr butch when i lived in allston, and i'm glad he suggested we make that little movie. i will await the giant bronze statue of him which should be erected in front of the firehouse, facing the sunset and twin donuts and points west. long live.
love
s g collins
Toni
July 23, 2007
Well Butch, I sure hope you enjoyed the party we all had in your
honor.Hope you didn't mind the church part too much but I bet you
never would've thought they talk about you the way they did in a
place like that! So many people!
Someone in the crowd said, "He wore a paupers rags but carried a kings jewels in his heart."
You were much loved and will live on as a jewel in so many hearts.
Nick Zegel
July 23, 2007
Though he may have never known my name I shared a few moments with him which I’ll never forget.
One night while walking home from a long night of partying I stumbled upon Butch in an ATM lobby in Allston, MA. It was frigid outside. I didn’t really need money, afterall it was close to 4:30am, but something made me want to just step inside and say hello. I did and Butch said Hello back. He was sitting against the wall with his guitar at his side. I kindly asked him if he would play a little something for me. His eyes appeared to light up and was quick to play a few tunes. We had both obviously had a few too many drinks but I stood there as he sat against the ATM lobby wall. After about 5 minutes it seemed as though he was slowing down and so I thanked him, wished him a goodnight and headed home.
Another afternoon while walking down Harvard Ave with my camera around my neck I approached Butch. His attention span always seemed short but today he said hello from a distance. As I got closer I said hello back. He asked me how I was doing. I told him I had just been shooting photographs and asked him if he would mind if I took a photograph of him. He hesitated and quietly asked if I could spare a quarter. I did not have any change on me, but I offered to give him a couple of dollars if he allowed me to snap a few photographs. He quickly agreed. I asked him if he wanted to go somewhere with a bit better light. He did not really care. I saw from where I stood beautiful sunlight hitting the wall of a back alley way. He crossed the street with me. I made small talk for the block that we walked. As I signaled to him to stand against the lit wall I asked him what he thought of the spot. He was quick to tell me he didn’t really like it. I laughed and went to take a photograph. I snapped 4 photographs until he said, alright alright, thats enough. I was quick to agree and handed him two dollars. He thanked me and we went our separate ways.
I know that he will be missed by many and I’m thankful for all the smiles and laughs he shared with me on a daily basis. R.I.P. Mr. Butch
Nancy
July 23, 2007
Butch, you did touch my life. Sorry we hadn't run in to you recently, but memories of you will live on. RIP dear soul.
D Morgan
July 23, 2007
Everyday for the 3 years I worked at Marty's Mr. Butch would come and grab a beer (at a time). Back then he preferred High Life and even had his own dedicated singles slot in the cooler. Who else demands that kind of attention? Nobody.
See you on the other side Mr. Butch.
Mike Byrne
July 23, 2007
I can't think of the years I lived in Boston without thinking of Mr. Butch. Too many memories to even begin to write down. I'll miss you.
Leah Callahan
July 23, 2007
An amazing poet, a beautiful singer and musician, and funny as hell!
If there is a heaven, he'll be there. If I am lucky I will see him again.
His memorial service on Sunday night was truly, in my opinion, a Who's Who of Boston.
He is somewhere feeling very, very proud.
brynn olin
July 23, 2007
moments fall upon us and you fell upon me.
Libby Brooks
July 23, 2007
Mr. Butch was an amazing person who lived life as he wanted. We will all hold a peice of Mr. Butch in our hearts forever. He will live on with are memories. Good bye Mr. Butch, know that you were loved!!
Chris Eden
July 23, 2007
Like so many others here my life was touched by Mr. Butch's towering presence. In front of The Rat in 1985, playing guitar through some little amp. Leather motorcycle jacket. Smiling.
One time a friend called him Butch, only to be corrected quickly with "It's MISTER Butch!".
Another tiny piece of Boston falls away and we are all that much poorer for it.
Goodbye, Mr. Butch!
Doug Melcher
July 22, 2007
Tonight's service and outpouring of goodwill shows that what we learn from Mr. Butch is that a smile goes a long way! Keep on smilin' Butch!
Cathy
July 22, 2007
Okay, second try at posting...
I knew Mr. Butch from the early '90s scene in Kenmore Square. Although I'd see him when my band played at the Rat, I saw him most often on my way to work in the morning, heading towards the K. Square T. He always had a nice word and a handshake for me. I dutifully paid my taxes, and in return he'd always send me off to work with a smile on my face (which was no easy feat). I always hoped I would run into him again in Allston, but never did. Even though it's been 15 years since I last saw him, I really miss him.
RIP, Mr. Butch,
Mayor of Kenmore Square,
King of Allston,
and Patron Saint of Boston Musicians!
Stephanie
July 22, 2007
Mr. Butch, I hope that there is plenty of beer and that you are making great music up there. You will be missed more than you'll ever know.
Tom Yaz
July 22, 2007
The Legendary Mr Butch is GONE!?!
How is that possible?
What's the point of even going to Kenmore Square anymore? We will all miss you Mr. Butch.
Rashad Hakim Shabbazz
July 22, 2007
We will miss you the entire city of Worcester and the whole Jenkins family. We will meet again
Peace
Brenda Velez
July 22, 2007
Mr.Butch was always cool with me! I met him when I hanged in Kenmore in my college years.He always had wacky stories. He was a character who will be missed. R.I.P
Bri Broken
July 22, 2007
You always had something to offer, whether it was a beer to share, a smile or joke, an ear to lend. You were a good friend to many; you will be both woefully missed and fondly remembered. I'll always recall you most fondly on the roof of Rich's apartment building on Commonwealth, sharing your beer and cheering me up when I was having a lousy day. You really are an angel, always have been.
I'll be drinking to you and to Ariel today... Give each other a hug for me.
kjwc
July 22, 2007
I was a BU student in the mid-80s and saw Mr. Butch almost every day for four years. At first he terrified me -- he was big, fierce, dreadlocked, and you never knew whether he was going to start singing or ranting. But then one night I was coming home very late and passed him on the corner of Lansdowne Street. He insisted on escorting me all the way back to my dorm because he didn't think it was safe for a small woman to be out wandering around solo at that time of night. After that, I thought of him as the Angel of Kenmore. Thanks for everything, Mr. Butch.
JOE H
July 22, 2007
Butch WE WILL ALL MISS YOU
ALL your friends at Marty's
Keith Igoe
July 22, 2007
When I was a 16-year-old highschooler in downtown, my friend Kevin McCarthy and I came upon Butch at Charlesgate E, and asked, "Mr. Butch, where's your guitar?" "...Man's gotta drink!" replied Butch. That was 28 years ago. My family's trips back to Boston will never be the same. We loved you, Butch.
Meaghan
July 22, 2007
Our Dear Mr. Butch! You lived your life on your terms. Not too many people can say that. May you rest in eternal peace. It's 12:00 somewhere....
Dave Hayes
July 22, 2007
I met Mr. Butch in 1980, at a loft in Southie, near The Channel, when I was a young punk. Always cheerful & cheering, he was a high point of my one year of college (BU). Hanging out after a show at The Rat (or being mugged!), his good mood was always contagious. It's great to see how many people remember him fondly.
Larry Groff
July 22, 2007
I first met Butch when he lived in Worcester, Ma in the early 70's, where he was a roommate of a good friend of mine. We had some awesome spaced out Jam sessions and equally spaced out chess matches that I will never forget. Regretfully, I never got to spend time with you in
Boston.
You touched so many people's lives with your humility, humor and joy of living that you will be remembered for many, many years to come.
The city should have a statue made to honor you to be prominently placed in Kenmore Square.
Susie Davidson
July 22, 2007
Another one hearkening back to the early 80s. If Butch and Mitch were not out front it wasn't the Rat. Now we can only hope they are manning such a heavenly haven.
John McKenna
July 22, 2007
You will be missed. Rock on!!!!
Reno
July 21, 2007
I've known you 30 years, man. It seems like forever. From smokin' on the grate on the "mall" and Sargent Pepper's, crashing at the Black Flag (Grahm Jr college) and 56 Queensberry, hanging out in my cab, sneaking you food when I worked at Pizza Pad and Capt. Nemo's, watching you scare the hell out of my girlfriend in your lipstick and dog-collar days, Father's 1, 2 and 5, the Rat, Bun's, listening to you and Mondo trying to top each other's stories, loving the look of shock on people's faces when we'd shake hands or hug in Shaw's or Dorr's... I'm glad I have so many memories of you, that way you'll never be far.
Reno, Mondo, Bribo and Matt will never forget you, Butch. It was a great ride!
Steve
July 21, 2007
I've known Mr. Butch over 20 years now, but hadn't seen him since the birth of my baby last year. I started looking for Mr. Butch whenever I was in Allston, but of course once I started looking from he was a surprisingly hard guy to find.
Thankfully we did finally run into him last month, and the baby (who is anxious around strangers) wasn't scared of him at all. Mr. Butch looked the baby over and commended me on having raised him 'colorblind', lol.
Goodbye Mr. Butch -
Sylvia Lanza
July 21, 2007
Mr. Butch, Your presence made the Allston Neighborhood a real community. You brought together people who otherwise would not have even spoken with each other. Thank you for your time in this world.
Jayce G
July 21, 2007
I was born and raised in the city of Boston. I lived on Reedsdale Street, less than 100 yards away from the intersaction at Comm Ave and Harvard Ave. Since I was born in '86, I've watched Mr. Butch my whole life. I miss him. And even though I moved to St. Petersburg for college, I have always remembered him. Rock on where ever you are now Mr. Butch. Rock on.
Carolyn Keddy
July 20, 2007
I have lived in San Francisco/Oakland for the last 17 years. Fortunately, every time I have visited Boston since then (usually twice a year) I have I seen Mr. Butch and he always remembered me.
My favorite encounter was with my friend Michelle Stewart at Store 24 in Kenmore Square. Mr. Butch says to Michelle motioning to me, "She may be the coolest, but you are the most beautiful." I love the man and I will miss him!
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