Michael Jesse Butcher, a man devoted to his family, education and his God, passed on to heaven on the morning of June 2, 2020, shortly after his 83rd birthday. The only child of Mary Allenthorpe, Mike was married to Joyce Butcher for 59 years until she passed on to heaven in 2015.

Mike left behind four children: Michael Anthony married to Shanti Butcher; Kenney married to Virginia Butcher; David married to Chan Butcher; and Nancy married to Rob Murray. During his life, Mike was blessed with nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Born in Depression era San Francisco, Mike moved to Kern County as a teenager where he would eventually raise his own family. Many knew Mike as mister or coach Butcher, a man devoted to developing the hearts, minds and bodies of young people during his 35 year career in Kern County education; a vocation which began at Delano Union Elementary in 1959, and continued with an extended tenure at West High School as a physical education teacher, as well as a coach of football and track & field. Mike moved into school administration in 1979, serving as Director of Physical Education for Kern County School District, then as Superintendent of Belridge School District. Mike's service to education continued beyond his official retirement in 1994, as he served various stints as interim superintendent and as a member of the KCSOS Personnel Commission and Kern County Board of Education.

Mike had the ability to make every child, teen and adult feel loved and truly cared for, and he became a mentor and father figure to anyone who needed him. Mike was inducted into both the West High School Hall of Fame and his alma mater Bakersfield High Driller Football Hall of Fame out of the recognition of his impact on the community he loved so much.

Outside of his occupation, Mike was a master woodworker and avid outdoorsman. His carvings-often painted by his wife Joyce-were honored with numerous prizes at the Kern County fair, but he would be more proud that his beautifully carved ornaments adorn the trees of many friends and family every Christmas.

Mike left this Earth having been an active and proud member of St. John's Lutheran church for three decades. His church community and his relationship with God were a foundation by which he strove to live a good life. All who loved Mike will be welcome to join a celebration of his life which will be announced when circumstances allow it.

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

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Jun. 26, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Butcher

20 Entries

Carey SQUIRES

May 20, 2025

Mike was an inspiration to me as a young man.
And and throughout my life, because he was someone who believed in me. When I had no one who believed in me, I'll never forget him. I think of him often ,he was one of the best men I've ever known. God bless Mike butcher.

Wayne Abney

September 7, 2024

Mr. Butcher was my track coach at West High School. He is the main reason I became a teacher. I won the SYL pole vault 1973..Mr. Butcher supported me..He is the best coach in my life. Wayne Abney

William Laros

Planted Trees

Robert Baldwin

Planted Trees

John Allen

Planted Trees

John Allen

October 7, 2020

We never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Butcher but as a parent I understand the most prized fruit can only be derived from the strongest and healthiest tree. I've had the honor to work with and befriend one of Mr Butcher's son's, and from that observance alone it's clear that he had to be an incredible father, husband and man. Rest in Peace Mr. Butcher.

Todd Schindler

August 2, 2020

Mike was my Coach both in Physical Education and Track and field. He also spoke at the awards banquet in the newly added building in 1971 on the west side of the campus when our team qualified for the Nationals in Washington DC for Youth Physical Fitness. Our team consisted of Myself, Kevin Snead, Rocky Lacertoso, Jan Jensen, Jeff Stone and Sandy Mann. Those days were pleasant memories of Mike. He always had a calming way about him and everyone liked him. He was also a superb weight trainer in the Gym. During the summer of 1968 I signed up for weight lifting class just before the fall semester and that alone spring boarded my love for sports and athletics. My wife and I will truly miss him. He and his wife Joyce both attended our wedding over 44 years ago and it just seems like yesterday. God speed Mike, our prayers will always be with you and especially good memories which we often talk about. Todd & Anne Schindler

Jennifer Thompson

July 2, 2020

I was blessed enough to have Mike and Joyce in my life since infancy. They were grandparents to my brother and I. I have spent many years in their house, esp of recent. What I remember most are bunnies and Santas and the way mike smelled. Mike was there at my weddings, held my children in infancy, when my mom passed. Thankyou Butcher family for sharing him with the Adamson family. We love him and I miss him so much already but I know Joyce was waiting to greet him. We love you all.

Joseph Kennedy

July 2, 2020

Mike Butcher was my Phys Ed, teacher several times during my high school years at West High in Bakersfield and a neighbor who lived a couple of blocks from me. Mike was always fair, kind and a real gentleman. When I was trying to get my green level in P.E., he stayed after school on the track to time me on the 880 so that I could meet the requirements. With his encouragement, I made it. I had a chance to see him again at my 45th high school reunion a few years ago. We had a nice talk and I told him that I always thought he was a good guy. He was a rare combination of strength and kindness. A great role model who will be missed. I am sure he is in heaven with God now.

Jim Sandrini

June 30, 2020

Going to miss you coach. You were a great man and a great teacher. I will not forget you.

Mary Ann Ashby

June 28, 2020

Mike was such a special person. He had the ability to make you feel special and loved. He was an outstanding man in so many areas, in his career, with his family, in his community and most importantly the way he cared and reached out to so many of us. I love him dearly and will miss him very much. My thoughts and prayers are with his children.

Mary Burns Stephens, classmate

June 28, 2020

He was a sweet person.

Gregg German

June 27, 2020

Mike was the quintessential gentleman. I am sorry to hear of his passing.

Arlene

June 27, 2020

went to school with mike, he was one of the good guys.

Rick Brees

June 26, 2020

A great life coach to me and friend. Like a second dad. He was always straight with me, would bring me down to earth when I got cocky. I practically lived at the Butcher home when I wasnt home. His son Mike was my best friend. Mr. & Mrs. Butcher always made me feel at home. He amazed me there was nothing he couldnt do well. He made good young men out of many of us Vikings. Love you Mr. B. Stumpy the nick name he gave me.

Mary Blanton

June 26, 2020

nancy and family
sorry to hear about your dad
he was truly a nice person and a good man

donald poarch

June 26, 2020

Thank you coach Butcher! In 1972 at West High School, you walked from the football field to the gym door as i am taking off my shoes and said, " Poarch don't quit the football team, that you would put me in the game when you could ." That was one of the best memories and decisions of my life! Thank you agian, God Bless Poarch

Kathleen Gutierrez-Ramos

June 26, 2020

I was so sorry to read about Mr Butcher passing away. I had Mr Butcher as teacher for my 5th & 7th grades at Fremont school in Delano. He was a great teacher and he taught to never say "I can't do it". He said there was no such thing and that I can always do something but do at my own best.
Mr Butcher made an impression on many of us students. I enjoyed our talks with him when we were at the same functions for the County Ed Office when I was employed there, especially the day I retired.
He will be missed. His family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Sincerely, Kathleen Gutierrez-Ramos.

Cleve McKnight

June 26, 2020

To me, he was always "Mr. Butcher" out of my respect for him though, after I graduated from West High, he asked me to call him "Mike". No other teacher and very few other persons that I ever have known had as profound and lasting positive impact on my life as he did. His special strength was that he had the ability to earn your respect as the person in authority as a teacher while also gaining your friendship. I had the privilege of being in his PE classes for 3 years and during those years he encouraged me, pushed me and challenged me not to settle for anything but my best all of the time. I also had the privilege of being coached by him as a Viking during the beginning of West High's heyday as a football powerhouse in the valley. I'm so very proud to have known him and to be able to genuinely call him my friend. May God reward you richly, Mike, for your faithfulness during life.

Brad Wilbert

June 26, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with Mikes family and friends. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike on his occasional trips to Sunrise Terrace in Arroyo Grande. We both loved our dogs and would sometimes see one another at the dog park where we enjoyed many nice talks about mutual friends and experiences in Bakersfield. Mike was such a kind and caring man and I am so grateful to have known him as a friend.

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