Robert "Bob" John Butler

Robert "Bob" John Butler, 61, of Clare, Michigan, passed away on March 5, 2026.

Bob was born on March 31, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, to Thomas and Catherine Butler. He grew up in Westland and graduated from Wayne Memorial High School in 1982 before entering the electrician apprenticeship program. Bob went on to become a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 58, dedicating more than 30 years to his trade and the brotherhood he valued so deeply.

In 1988, Bob married the love of his life, Diane Robbins. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children: Shea (Erin) Butler, Whitney (Grant) Peffer, and Quinci Butler. Just when Bob thought life could not get any better, he became a grandfather. His five grandchildren—Maura, Rosemary, Cash, Annemarie, and Jack—quickly became the light of his life and brought him endless joy.

When Bob's family received the heartbreaking news of his brother Jim's accident, life changed forever for Bob, his siblings, and his parents. Bob helped care for his paraplegic brother without hesitation and never was one to complain. Whatever Bob had planned that day, Jim was a part of it. If plans needed to change, Bob simply adjusted. His compassion, loyalty, and big heart were qualities passed down from his beloved mother, whom he adored deeply, then onto all of his children as well.

Whether known by Bob or not, people around him were inevitably drawn to the lively sparkle in his eyes—a sparkle that always seemed on the verge of laughter. Bob had an aura about him that made everyone feel welcome, and it did not take long before people loved him. He had a rare gift for making people feel they were among the most important in his life, though the true center of his world was always his immense love he had for his wife, Diane, their three children, and their five grandchildren.

It didn't matter where Bob was or who he was with; he believed in enjoying the moment right then and there. He loved celebrating others. Without speeches or showmanship, his mere presence had a way of elevating every gathering and deepening the memory of each milestone. He would have been uncomfortable hearing such praise, yet those who knew him often struggled to describe the warmth of his spirit, something that felt, at times, almost otherworldly.

When you think of Bob, we hope you think of his compassion for others and his love for life. He was incredibly proud of his Irish heritage, something he held close to his heart. He carried a playful sense of humor, perhaps echoing his Irish roots. Bob enjoyed and lived his life exactly the way he wanted until his final day. What more could anyone ask for? To think of Bob is to think of a wonderful man loved by so many, who embraced life fully every day he was given.

As the song "The Parting Glass" reminds us:
"So fill to me the parting glass,
And drink a health whate'er befalls,
Then gently rise and softly call,
Good night and joy be to you all."

So tonight, let's have a toast, share a story, and remember a man who truly knew how to live. Cheers to Bob Butler.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for Friday March 20, 2026. Time TBD.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Catherine Butler; his beloved brother, Jim Butler; and his brother-in-law, Bill Butler, his fellow #1 Detroit Lions and Tigers fan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Butler; his children, Shea (Erin) Butler, Whitney (Grant) Peffer, and Quinci Butler; his cherished grandchildren, Maura, Rosemary, Cash, Annemarie, and Jack; his siblings Greg, Mary, Eileen, and Kas; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.