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BORN

1940

DIED

2020

Peter Butterfield Obituary

April 21, 1940 - December 7, 2020. Peter was born and raised in Hyde Park and was an Evanston resident for over 50 years. He was an artist, owner of Butterfield Art Services, an intrepid sailor, and animal lover. He is survived by his wife Pam (nee Bennett), daughters Jessica Butterfield and Liz (Denis) Jean-Pierre, grandchildren Olivia and Denis Jean-Pierre, and a loving extended family. Peter served in the arts community for years. He taught art at Columbia College and his own work was represented by Phyllis Kind and Zolla/Lieberman Galleries. His paintings were recently featured at the Illinois State Museum Gallery. He fell in love with sailing early, spending much time on his sailboat, often being the last sailor to launch for the season. He was a nature lover, devoted dog-dad, and bird-watcher. He found joy in time spent with family, nights listening to jazz at the Green Mill, writing Haikus, and reading. He was a soccer fan and delighted in watching his grandkids play. Due to current conditions, services will be private. Contributions may be made in his memory to The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Dec. 13, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Butterfield

Not sure what to say?





Jane Stroud Wright

January 2, 2022

He was my dear friend.

Jane Stroud Wright (Stroud Waller, Inc)

January 1, 2022

This last year I have passed through Evanston often, and have recently been calling (no answer). Peter was so much a part of my life for two decades and then some. When I last spoke to him, we had hoped to get together. Pam, I would like so much to see you. Please contact me

Fran Grossman

December 21, 2020

Sorry to lose one of the good guys

Neil Barnes

December 17, 2020

Rest In Peace, Peter

Jocelyn Pinsler

December 14, 2020

What can I say about you PETER? So much is in me and I don't know how to get the words out. You were such a big part of my life for so many years. All I can say for now is that you will be missed. A large part of me is gone, but you will always be in my heart and thoughts.

Jeff Forgash

December 11, 2020

Peter was just a really super human. I started sailing at Dempster in 1987 and he spent lots of time with me educating me on the finer points of small boat sailing. Special man.

Susan & Andy

December 10, 2020

We celebrated many events and holidays together -- memorial days, family birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas eves We count ourselves fortunate for the wonderful times spent with Peter, Pam and their daughters. In loving memory of a funny, wry and insightful man and artist.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Susan Page Estes

Planted Trees

Peter Green

December 10, 2020

I believe Peter and I attend Ray School together. it may have been in sixth grade, when we were both about 11 or 12. He took me to his apartment (on S. Blackstone?) after school and showed me his room, which waw hung floor to ceiling on most walls with his beautiful paintings. I recall oils of stormy seascapes worthy of Winslow Homer His photo shows those far-seeing eyes and reddish hair, which he wore in those days in a crew cut. I' m sorry to have discovered him so late. But I'm happy to know he put that art sense talent to good use and had a wonderful family as well. Me sincere condolences to all of you for your immeasurable loss. An architect and writer myself, I made this discovery just today, while in the process ot writing a memoir,. Peter H. Gree, St. Louis Dec 10, 2020

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