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BRUCE BUTLER Obituary

BUTLER BRUCE Age 72, beloved husband and soulmate of Eileen for 37 years, passed away on January 18, 2022, after a brief illness. He was the brother-in-law of Gail and Fred Kaye; uncle to Alyson and Dave, Jillian and Matt and great-uncle to Grayson. Bruce was much loved, admired, and well respected by everyone he came in contact with. He was an Assistant Principal at Girls' HS, active with the Fairmount Civic Association, and President of the North American Guild of Change Ringers. As a change ringer, he had the unique achievement of ringing in thousands of church towers and leading ringing tours on four continents. He was passionate about traveling, cooking, and gardening. Donations: https://onrealm.org/SaintMarksChurch/give/bells or https://ghsalumnae.networkforgood.com/projects/127614-oblation-a-tangible-investment.

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Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Jan. 23, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for BRUCE BUTLER

28 Entries

VivianComer&Owen&EllisMays

December 2, 2024

Only just stumbled upon this sad news, prompting our deepest sympathy to Eileen & all the Phila.Guild of Change Ringers, from Vivian, Owen, & Ellis xxx

Jasmine Warner

March 4, 2024

As a Girls High girl, Mr. Butler will always be remembered. Some of us loves his accent, some of us didn't. But we all loved HIM! They don't come much sweeter than this guy. I learned of his passing not long after it happened, but I didn't come across this link until now. It's never too late to remember someone. So, here I am, Girls High class of 244, remembering you Mr. Butler. May God bless, comfort, and keep your loved ones. May you rest well.

Deborah Cooper

January 26, 2024

Thinking of you today, Eileen and sending you my love and sympathy. Bruce was one of a kind and I remember especially the wonderful ringing tours I did with you all to Cornwall and New Zealand.

Eileen

January 25, 2024

I am missing him so very much and the pain is so much!

Brian Zook

January 18, 2024

It´s impossible to believe it´s been. : whole years since that horrible day I said goodbye to Bruce in the hospital. I always feel like he´s going to walk in to the tower and pull a bell rope. I miss him very much and I can´t imagine how Eileen feels. Today I hold her in my thoughts and will help her get along in her new life.

Marcy Witlin-Basickes & Bob Basickes

March 15, 2022

We were blessed to have Bruce in our lives. He possessed the rare ability to give love and support to all those around him. At this time we keep him and his beloved wife Eileen in our prayers for strength and healing.

Nina Shapiro and Bob Gibson

Planted Trees

Suzanne Souder

February 5, 2022

I know it's been a long time since I saw you but I remember Bruce fondly and was saddened to learn of his death. He was so enthusiastic about ringing and life in general. He was a very skilled ringer but still patient with those of us with less skill. You and Bruce were such a big help to the ringers in New Castle. I wish you peace at this difficult time.

Davis d'Ambly

February 4, 2022

Dear Eileen, I am so saddened by this news. Bruce was such a delight to work with on the bell project at St. Mark's I enjoyed my time with you both. May he rest in peace.

Alexander T. Taft, III

January 27, 2022

There are no words to express the sorrow I feel for our collective loss, but especially for Eileen. Bruce Butler is a legend in every facet of his life, and we are all better people for having known him.

Deborah Hope Cooper

January 27, 2022

Bruce was deeply committed to the art of Change ringing, I will always be grateful to him for teaching me to ring. I spent many happy ( and sometimes frustrating!) hours in practice with him and the rest of the Philadelphia guild and took two unforgettable tours with him and Eileen in New Zealand and South West England. Thank you Bruce for you skilled teaching and guidence! I know you will be deeply missed.

Ann Martin

January 26, 2022

Dear Eileen, what a shock and sorrow this is to us all . It is impossible to list all he did for the Guild and for an innumerable throng of new ringers he welcomed to the fold. I know that his memory will continue to inspire us to try difficult things.

Kellyann Beene

January 24, 2022

Bruce was such a bright light! Funny, charismatic, kind, friendly and caring. He will be truly missed by the whole community! Eileen, we are sorry for your loss and love you very much!

Elizabeth Wein

January 24, 2022

Bruce was one of the bell ringers who changed my life, becoming tower captain while I rang at Philadelphia in addition to becoming president of the North American Guild of Change Ringers while I was very much involved with it. Joining Bruce and Eileen on their annual tours for a weekend or two was the highlight of many of my summers, and the enjoyment shared with them and their circle of friends is the gold standard for conviviality. I enjoyed the Camelot of my years in Philadelphia with the Butlers as my friends. Rex quondam rexque futurus. Dear Eileen, you are in my heart at this bleak time of your life.

Tim Butters

January 24, 2022

Feeling very heartbroken over the loss of Bruce. He was a great example of how to live life, always serving others and having fun doing so. Cheers to Bruce! Eileen we love you <3

Jessie Ravage

January 24, 2022

I am stunned by this--so very sad to hear of it. Too many good memories to list or recount them. He was a lovely man--husband, teacher, ringer. No pics, alas, but I know if I had any, he'd be wearing something bright and colorful, matching his personality and Eileen's.

Chris Colon

January 23, 2022

Love and prayers of support for Eileen Butler, Bruce's other half, often dressed in an identical shirt, or sometimes an entire matching outfit, showing how close these two were. I first met Bruce as he and a band of ringers visited my home tower in Miami in 1990. I asked if we could host the NAGCR annual meeting one year - a short time later, at the Boston meeting of the NAGCR, he announced Miami would be the host tower the following year. We had such a wonderful time! Bruce and Eileen were foodies and food was always an important part of their annual Spring Dinner ringing event held at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church. It was where I had the most fun serving alongside Bruce and Eileen, and the others who made up the kitchen crew. Bruce was always ensuring a fantastic time was had by all, making it the highlight of many ringer's year.

I will miss Bruce's patient guidance, and encouragement while ringing. We will all miss his smile and his willingness to travel to NAG towers regularly to encourage and support ringing in North America.

Rest in Peace, Bruce!

Mary Ann Quince

January 23, 2022

Bruce was an amazing man who brought much to the Ocean Club community. He will be missed.
Eileen, we will keep you and your family in out thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Falcone (Ocean Club)

January 23, 2022

Eileen, I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a nice and caring person. I am heartbroken.
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Brian Zook

January 23, 2022

Bruce was family to me. His death has hit me like a ton of bricks. He and Eileen are my dear friends. We traveled far and wide to ring bells and shared many fun times together. Bruce was a phenomenal cook and entertainer. Nothing was too much trouble for him. I don't know how ringing in Philadelphia will get along without his leadership. We will try, but it will never be the same.

Donna M. Merrill, Eric Teder

Planted Trees

Mark Kaprow

January 23, 2022

Mark Kaprow

January 23, 2022

Mark Kaprow

January 23, 2022

Bruce will be missed. He was a great cousin.

Brian Zook

January 23, 2022

Brian Zook

January 23, 2022

Brian Zook

January 23, 2022

Brian Zook

January 23, 2022

This has hit me like a ton of bricks. Bruce was one of the closest people to me in my life. I can´t comprehend how my life will go on without him in it. I hold Eileen close during this time for never in my life have I ever seen a team like The Butlers. He will be missed by all the ringers in Philadelphia and ringing will never be the same. It asks here relationship. I am putting family. That is how I feel. Bruce is family.

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