Alan "Butch" ROGERS

1934 - 2022

Alan "Butch" Rogers of Burlington, ON passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 3rd at Joseph Brant Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Butch was born on September 5th, 1934, in Brantford, ON. He was a true Renaissance man. He spent much of his life playing music and playing sports, both of which he loved. He is survived by his loving wife Audrey, nee Richardson. They were married for 63 wonderful years. They raised three children Brent (Rosie), Brad (Laurene) and Susan (Bill). Together they skied, hiked, and travelled the world. They also spent dreamy summers at their cottage in Honey Harbour, ON. Since Butch had dedicated his life to a career in education, he was able to enjoy summers off up north.

Butch was particularly fond of playing football. He played for Westdale High school, McMaster University and professionally in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger Cats. He went on to coach the Nelson High School football team during the early years of his teaching career.

Later he became a passionate Vice Principal in the Peel Board of Education with time spent at Westwood Secondary School, T. L. Kennedy Secondary School, and Morning Star Secondary School.

Audrey often joked that Butch needed to retire from retirement as he was so busy with all his activities in the community. He was actively involved with the local Suicide Prevention Association, which lead to his very important work with the Self Esteem Network. Butch was a past president of the Self Esteem Network which enabled him to do a lot for people in distress. He was also a long-time member of Port Nelson United Church.

As a way to enjoy playing music, Butch often sang during the Burlington Footnotes annual performances of Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance! He was also a member of the musical group The Singing Strummers.

Butch was also a dedicated Mason, where he held the following positions: 33rd Degree Mason, Commander in Chief, Moore Sovereign Consistory and Past Master, Temple Lodge.

Butch imparted his love of music and sports on his children too. Many Sundays were spent skiing as a family and through the week he made sure to attend his kids sporting events.

Butch's greatest love was for his family. In addition to his wife and kids he had 6 cherished grandchildren, Damian, Devon, Leo, Jack and Julia. He was very close to his older brother Doug, who gave him the nickname "Butch" when they were kids. Butch had three loving nieces, Lynne, Judy and Christine and two loving nephews, Craig and Jed. In addition to this were numerous cousins that spent many wonderful times together.

Second only to his family were Butch's numerous friends. He loved them all, old and new and made them wherever he went. He loved to laugh and tell stories that would sometimes make people laugh!

Dogs were another part of his family that were very important. He taught his children how to be a loving and responsible dog owner by example and truly believed they were man's best friend.

Audrey wants to share the following poem that has special meaning to her.

The tide recedes
but leaves behind
bright seashells
on the sand,

The sun goes down,
but gentle warmth
still lingers
on the land,

The music stops,
and yet it echoes on
in sweet refrains...

For every joy
that passes,
something beautiful
remains.

A private family service will be held soon and a larger celebration of life will be announced in the future.

Donations would be appreciated to Port Nelson United Church or The Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation Learning Centre for Hamilton.