STEVE BUTLER

Steve Butler

Stephen Leonard Butler was born on June 9, 1943, to L.D. (Buzz) and Joanna Butler in Arcadia, California. Steve was the first of four children: Tim, Dave, and Jane followed. The family home was near the Santa Anita Racetrack, and the entire family had a love of the horse races.

Steve played sports his entire life. He was a football star at St. Francis Catholic High School in La Canada and went on to play for UCLA where he was one of the 'gutty little Bruins' that played in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 1966. UCLA beat # 1 ranked Michigan State 14 to 12 in a gut-wrenching battle.

Steve started his coaching career at UCLA as a Graduate Assistant and went on to be very successful at Crespi High School, LA Valley College, West LA College, and Santa Monica College. He also helped out from time to time at the local high school, Mira Costa, in Manhattan Beach. He finished his career as Athletic Director at West LA College; he retired in July of 2005.

Among his coaching achievements: Lead the Crespi Celts to three consecutive league championships and played in the CIF-AAAA Championship game in 1973. In 1975, the LA Valley Monarchs won the Metropolitan Conference and the Potato Bowl, which was the pinnacle of JC football at that time. And while helping out at Mira Costa HS, the Mustangs won a CIF Championship in 2000 and they were the CIF Western Division Champions in 2009. Steve has been inducted into these Athletic/Football Halls of Fame: St. Francis HS, Crespi HS, and LA Valley College.

Steve and his wife, Nancy Hongola, have lived in Hermosa Beach for almost 50 years, enjoying the beach and their numerous golden retrievers. They also beat a path between Hermosa and Cabo, camping and fishing up and down the Baja, and between Hermosa and Sun Valley, Idaho. When not coaching, Steve prized himself as a Recreational Specialist … Going, Coming, or Planning.

They loved their time in Idaho; they started skiing there in the mid 70's. And like most tourists, they came for the winter but stayed for the summer, which was full of hiking and biking and fishing and golfing. Steve liked to say that he knew every road between Hermosa Beach and Sun Valley as they always drove with their dogs and tried different routes across Nevada.
Steve enjoyed much of his retirement time playing golf at Virginia CC in Long Beach. He loved the golf course and the camaraderie of all his golfing buddies.

Steve was a social guy and loved all his friends, new and old. He remained close to many of the UCLA football players; they were truly a 'band of brothers' bonded by the unique football experience they shared in the 60's. He loved and respected all his players and coaches, and many became life-long friends. He and his beach buddies, called the Club 200 because they beached at 200 Strand, were still picnicking together in Hermosa Valley Park with their families this last summer with masks on. And he loved to golf, party, and vacation with his relatively new but just as dear VCC friends. A full life indeed.

Steve passed away on January 17th due to complications of Alzheimer's. By his side were Nancy, his beloved dog Rowdy, and his dear friends Candy and Larry, who from college on were at every significant event in his life … including the end.
Due to the insanity of covid, services/celebrations are under consideration.In lieu of flowers, please take your favorite caregiver out for a special dinner.