Keith Ronald Butterfield

February 3, 1940 - June 18, 2007

Keith Ronald Butterfield, age 67, the owner of the Rush Inn Bar in Santa Cruz, died Monday June 18, 2007 at Dominican Hospital after a short illness.

Keith was born on February 3, 1940 to Margaret and Leo Butterfield in Bend, Oregon. Raised in Redmond, Oregon, Keith was a student and outstanding athlete at Redmond High School. He lettered in football, basketball and baseball. After high school Keith signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and played in their farm system as a catcher for 2 years.

Keith spent 25 years in the shoe business as a salesman, buyer, manager and store owner. Starting in Redmond, Oregon he moved to Sacramento, Carmel and finally Santa Cruz. Keith never lost his love for quality and expensive shoes owning dozens of pairs, all kept in pristine condition.

In 1993, Keith with partner Gene Berry, purchased Bei's Bar renaming it The Rush Inn. In 2000, Keith purchased Gene's share and became the sole owner of The Rush Inn, never giving up his bartending shifts.

Behind the bar, Keith was friendly, outgoing and courteous to everyone. He also befriended and helped many people in need as he genuinely cared about the welfare of others. Keith was loved by many and his passing has been a great shock.

Keith was also an avid golfer. He hosted a Rush Inn Tournament every year and loved playing golf, with his sons and grandsons. He played in many charitable and senior golf tournaments throughout the Monterey Bay area, benefiting many causes. At the last US Open held at Pebble Beach, Keith was chosen as a volunteer marshal. Keith also found great joy in being able to watch his grandson, Cody Olsen play football at Harbor High School, a program he also generously supported.

Keith is survived by his mother Margaret and brother Elvin of Brookings, Oregon. His children and their spouses, Rick and Theresa Olsen of Santa Cruz; Brian and Penny Olsen of Springfield, Oregon; Tracy and Kristen Olsen of Indianapolis, Indiana; Kathy Butterfield of Kalispell, Montana; and Lee Butterfield of Big Timber, Montana. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Leo Butterfield.

At Keith's request no formal funeral services will be held. A small private family burial will take place later this month in Oregon.

The family requests that donations in memory of Keith be sent to Harbor High Football, c/o Steve Wright, 123 Jewell Street, Santa Cruz, California 95060.

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