Wilfred Stephen Butler III

February 26, 1929 - September 22, 2016

Wilfred Stephen (Bud) Butler III passed away peacefully on September 22nd surrounded by family. Bud is survived by his loving wife, Liz, and his children, Debbie, Gary (Bernadette), Adele (Mike), Janice, Andy (Jacquie) and Eddy (Barb); 17 grandchildren, Anne, Harry, Daniel, Simon, Marell, Maggie, Natasha, Alysha, Keenan, Stacia, Ginny, Thomas, Olivia, Riley, Stephen, Tori, Clayton and one great-grandson, Florian. He also leaves his sister Elsie May Mayzes, many relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his sister, Doreen Doherty, and two brothers-in-law, Bill Mayzes and Pete Doherty.

Bud was the 4th generation of the Butler Pioneer family on the Saanich Peninsula. His great-grandfather, Capt. George Butler, came to Canada from England in 1862.

Bud was born in Victoria on February 26, 1929, son of W.S. Butler II and Elsie (Smethurst). He always said his birth caused the stock market crash. He grew up on part of the Butler Estate on Keating X Rd. where the Co-Op Grocery Store stands today. Bud had a wonderful childhood hunting and fishing on the Peninsula, then sparsely populated and all dirt roads; even cougar hunting with Wally Butler on the Malahat. He lived next door to his grandfather, W.S. Butler I, and was close to him and his Uncle Morris (Uncle Bones). He attended Keating and Mt. Newton Schools; his graduating class had 3 graduates which was why he always bragged that he graduated in the top three of his class.

Bud worked for Claude Butler, his mentor, at Butler Brothers for 30 years starting at age 12 greasing trucks then driving cement trucks, logging in Sooke, finally ending up as a heavy-duty mechanic and Shop Foreman. But farming was in Bud's blood and in 1954, at 25 years of age, he bought 16.5 acres of land at the base of Bear Hill, paying for it in cash he saved. As he would say, "Cash is King". He built the farmhouse himself using lumber milled from the property.

Bud met Liz (Laturnus), the love of his life, on a blind date. They got married on Sept. 28, 1957, in Wilkie, Sask. and were married for one week short of 59 years. They made a good partnership running a farm and raising a family, both being hard-working, frugal, religious and very family orientated.

They grew berries and vegetables until currently running a hazelnut farm with 600 trees. Bud was a very hard worker working his day job and farming until dark instilling a strong work ethic in all his children of whom he was very proud.

A real character, Bud was a man of action: happy, funny, mischievous, loving, friendly and stubborn. He was a natural storyteller and often had friends and family laughing until they cried. He loved to drive and we travelled all over Canada and the USA with a truck, trailer and 6 kids. We also spent many happy days at the family cabin in Qualicum Bay.

Bud spent the last 3 years at Luther Court with Vascular Dementia. Still, he kept the nurses amused with his great sense of humour and quick wit. Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Luther Court who so lovingly cared for Bud.

Dad's great legacy to us is the beautiful farm he purchased so long ago and all the happy memories we have growing up there. We will miss him and his infectious laugh very much but the harvest, which has just started, will go on.

Funeral Service to be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4040 Nelthorpe St, Victoria, BC, presided by Father David Hogman, Friday, Oct. 7th at 1:00 pm. Reception to follow at the Church Hall.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Luther Court Society, 1525 Cedar Hill X Rd, Victoria, BC, V8P 5M1 or Mt. Newton Centre Society, 2158 Mt. Newton X Rd, Saanichton, BC, V8M 2B2.

"Take your time going, but hurry back!"