Walter Butts

1932 - 2014

Lifelong Alaska resident Walter Ervin Butts Jr., 82, passed away July 29, 2014. Walt was born May 18, 1932 at St. Anne's Hospital in Juneau, Alaska to Grace and Walter Butts. Walt grew up in Juneau along with his sister Jeanne. Walt crossed the bridge from Juneau to Douglas Island where he met and later married his fun loving wife Moni. He worked for Union Oil for over 32 years in Juneau, Ketchikan, Fairbanks, and Anchorage, retiring just days before his granddaughter Greta arrived. During his "retirement years" he drove school buses for the Anchorage School District and spent time making memories with his granddaughter; eating banana splits for breakfast, teaching her the fine art of reading while sitting on the toilet, and riding bikes on sunny summer days, yet always getting in a good nap in the afternoon. By the time his grandson Steven Michael arrived he was a pro at being a grandpa, driving him to and from hockey practice and attending most of his games. Walt loved spending time with his family, photography, flying his airplane, crossword puzzles, and riding motorcycles with his good friend Oren Hudson (not necessarily in that order!). He checked the obituaries in the paper each day, saying "I'm checking to be sure I'm not in there". One of Walt's favorite tunes was "Yes! We have no bananas" - a novelty song sung by Eddie Cantor. He enjoyed banjo music, especially Steve Martin's "Rare Bird Alert - A Troupe of Very Remarkable Trained Musicians". Walt was preceded in death by his son Steven and Sister Jeanne, and is survived by his wife Moni, son Stan, son David and wife Jessica, daughter Cynthia Astrup and husband Larry, granddaughter Greta Astrup and grandson Steven Michael Butts. The family wishes to say a heart-felt thank you to Providence Hospice, a team of caring, warmhearted and professional people. Upon Walt's request, there will be no service. In his memory, donations may be made to Alaska Wing OX5 Aviation Pioneers. 4150 Vista Court, Anchorage, AK 99508. We will miss you Pops. LYTVM