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Cortland, New York

Timothy Butler Obituary

On August 20, 2016, an Amazing man was lost to us. Timothy John Butler was my best friend, husband, lover, and father to our daughters, Tara and Jordan, for 37 years, and THE BEST Grandfather EVER to Stephanie, Sean, Samantha and Gage for the last 10 years, and brother and son of 58 years. Tim's greatest joy in the last 10 years was the time he spent with his grandchildren. They were the light of his life, and he loved them with a passion beyond words. Tim is survived by his beloved wife Rayne P. (Seifert) Butler of 37 years, his daughters Tara Canada (Chris), Jordan Butler (Ben Perkins), his adored grandchildren: Stephanie, Sean, Samantha, and Gage. Tim was predeceased by his father, Franklin J. Butler. Tim is also survived by his mother, Carol Ann Butler, and siblings; Cynthia McDonald (Paul), Craig Butler (Carmen), Tina Crandall (Jeff), and Jeffrey Butler (Peg), along with nieces, nephews and many cousins. Some might try to make Tim out to be a saint, but he was not. He was amazing, that is the word that best describes my husband. Tim died as he lived, by being the strong one that saves the day. Tim drowned on August 20th after saving his much loved oldest sister, Cynthia McDonald. Unfortunately, he was not found and identified until 12:30 a.m. on the 22nd. This occurred due to a very sudden wind that caused the boating conditions on Cayuga Lake to change drastically for only a brief time. Though he saved his sister, Tim never made it all the way back to the boat himself. I know my husband, and he would do it again if given the choice, that is the kind of man he was. He was amazing. That's just the way he was. Tim graduated from Maine Endwell Schools in 1976. He attended SUNY Broome, and Tompkins Cortland Community College while working towards an Environmental Science/ Criminal Justice degree, and then changed his major to Electrical Technology. Tim was Maintenance Manager for Alpla, Inc.'s Cortland, NY, and Bowling Green, KY, plants. Most recently, he mentored a future Maintenance Manager internally to meet a rising need for individuals to lead the hi-tech Maintenance teams at the Alpla, Inc. North American plants. These maintenance teams managed highly technical electronic downstream equipment within a totally automated environment. He loved the challenge, and was highly respected by his colleagues throughout Alpla world-wide. Prior to his 8 years at Alpla, Tim worked for BorgWarner Automotive in Ithaca, NY, as Maintenance Supervisor from 1998 to 2006. Prior to that, he was Maintenance Supervisor for Rubbermaid Corporation until they closed and left Cortland, NY, in 1998. Tim could figure out how to fix anything, but look out for flying tools in the process. Great mind at work, you see. In the little spare time he had, Tim was a true outdoorsman inside and out, and musician. Tim enjoyed providing Hunter Safety Education to new hunters for over 20 years in Tompkins and Cortland Counties. He loved hunting, fishing, boating, and playing music on his guitar with his best friend of 30 years, Larry Will (Nancy) of Georgetown, NY. In addition, Tim and I enjoyed camping with, and riding, our Tennessee Walking Horses in the Adirondack Mountains. Following my treatment for breast cancer in 2011, Tim and I attended the first ever breast cancer retreat in North Carolina through Little Pink Houses of Hope (LPHOH). A year later, Tim became a volunteer for LPHOH and assisted with a week-long retreat each year since then. He was a tireless, determined, and dedicated volunteer (www.littlepinkhouses.org). Tim had a heart of gold and lived his life the way he died - giving all that he had of himself. He was amazing. A service for the family and relatives of Tim and Rayne will be at Maine Federated Church in Maine, NY on Sunday evening, August 28, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, his family is asking for donations to help us put a special memorial bench looking out over the water from Myer's Park in Lansing, NY, to honor his memory. To help, go to www.crowdrise.com/tjbutler to make a secure donation. Thank you, The family of Timothy J. Butler Condolences may also be sent by visitingwww.riccardifuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Aug. 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Butler

Not sure what to say?





Kathy Rozek

September 19, 2016

On behalf of Maine-Endwell's Class of '76, our hearts go out to the entire Butler family.

Christine Kjelgaard-Drawdy

September 19, 2016

Tim went to school with me and lived near my family (Kjelgaard). I remember him as a really sensitive and caring young man back then. He will be greatly missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

peter hemans

September 3, 2016

sorry for your loss Knew him in High School he will be missed at the 40th reunion.

Erin Caruth

August 31, 2016

Dear Rayne,
I just learned of this horrible tragedy. I am so sorry and hope karma showers you with love, comfort and support as you have so generously offered to family, friends and our community.

Jacquelyn Underwood

August 30, 2016

I was in shock to find out of his passing. He was a good man. Taught me how to hunt safely. You will be missed.

Donna (Kinney) Hobart

August 28, 2016

To the Butler Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

marion stevens

August 28, 2016

my whole church is praying for you and your family. May God be with y ou during this time of struggle.

Jesus Aguilera

August 28, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss.

Noreen Brewster

August 27, 2016

Just found out the circumstances....Rayne, I am so, so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you two were quite the match. This will be a struggle, I will keep you in my prayers. Graduated with both your sister, Robin, and his sister, Cindy. A loss for you, your family and the entire community.

Dennis Moulton

August 27, 2016

I am so very sorry. Tim and I go back a long way but not so far that I haven't found myself fondly recollecting some of the "situations" he/we got into. As our paths crossed through the years, we'd remind each other of the same old stories and laugh every bit as hard as we did the first time we spoke of them. Maybe just a little part of us didn't really grow up.
I truly cannot express enough how very sorry I am.

Ron Smith

August 27, 2016

Tim was a special person who I admired for his caring and dedication to everything he undertook at Rubbermaid. He always did an outstanding job and helped the company be successful in Cortland. I can say I am a better person today by getting to know Tim.

God bless him and the entire family.

All my best,

Ron Smith

Wesley and Betty Chamberlain

August 26, 2016

Our condolences to the family,Tim has always been a positive person who will be missed by all of us. I worked with Tim at Rubbermaid and he always had an upbeat personality. How sad to loose such a wonderful humane being. May God rest your sole.

Lori Standish Baerman

August 26, 2016

Dear Rayne and family-please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband Tim.I know we haven't seen each other in a very long time but my heart. aches for you.Keeping you in my prayers.

Doreen Treadwell

August 26, 2016

Tim was a very sweet quiet guy in schoo I wilk miss seeing him at our reunion in october. Rest in peace my friend

Kevin O'Brien

August 26, 2016

I was a classmate of Tim's at ME. Tim was a very kind man with a great sense of humor. God Bless and my sincere condolences to the family.

Sue Johnson

August 26, 2016

Dear Rayne,

My deepest condolences to you and your children at this sad, sad time.
I worked with Tim at Carroll's, and I remember when he met you. I remember your first apartment on Washington Avenue and how over-the-moon-in-love Tim fell for you. His entire world changed when you came into his life. He was wonderful as a co-worker and friend. Though many years have passed, my thoughts and prayers are with you now and in all the days to come. God Bless you and all Tim's loved ones.

Sue Johnson

Wes Stephens

August 26, 2016

So sorry for your loss.

Al Steven

August 26, 2016

I was also a class mate of Tim from high school, and am very much saddened by this terrible news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I recall Tim always had a great smile and kind words for me, no matter the situation. I, for one, will think of and miss him at our up- coming class reunion.

Isabel Dwornik

August 25, 2016

Rayne, our sincere and heart felt condolences to you and your family. We are so sincerely sorry to hear about Tim. Although his passing was tragic and premature, it must bring peace to know that his last act on earth was so selfless. We will always remember him as a true hero. The Lord's peace be with you all. Sincerely, Ron and Isabel Dwornik

Alyson Branstetter

August 25, 2016

I am the General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in Bowling Green, KY. Tim was an amazing man and one of our all-time favorite guests. We are truly saddened by this terrible accident. My staff and I would like to send our deepest condolences for your loss.

Keith Hollenbeck

August 26, 2016

So So sorry for your loss. he will be greatly missed!

Brian Colasurdo

August 25, 2016

I worked with Tim at Rubbermaid for many years, several of those were side by side in the maint department. He was an incredible co-worker, mentor and leader. I learned so much from him. We were also good friends outside of work. We enjoyed shooting our bows, fishing and playing with his old dog..Autumn. We had many good times and a lot of laughs. Unfortunately we drifted apart after Rubbermaid shut down and I moved to MA. But every year, as I sat in my treestand, I would always think of him and wonder how he was doing. He was a good man, an amazing man, and he will be missed....RIP my old friend.

Steve Kuratnick

August 25, 2016

I was a classmate of Tim I remember him as a quiet polite peaceful person I'm happy he was so loved God Bless Tim and his family

Ed Underwood

August 25, 2016

Tim was one of the best persons i have ever met. Constantly challenging himself to be a better person. Setting goals for himself and pursuing these goals until he achieved satisfaction. Constantly restless and unable to tell anyone in need the word no. I have seen him inspire people and help them find their own answers. I believe Tim had to help anyone he could, without reward because It was his nature, and that is a rare trait in the world today. Son, Husband,Father and Grandfather and good friend. Words do not do justice for anyone who has walked beside this man.
Prayers and Peace To Rayne the girls and the grandchildren

Ed

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