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William BUTCHART
William BUTCHART
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William BUTCHART Obituary
December 24, 1943 - February 27, 2012
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ross, our beloved husband, father and grandfather. Ross is survived by Colleen, his loving wife of 44 years, son Mike (Michelle), daughter Becky (Derek), grandchildren Brian, Kevin, Coleson and Brooklyn, mother Barbara, sisters Eve (Stu) and Nancy, niece Christine, nephew Tony, as well as countless wonderful friends. Ross was a teacher and administrator for the Vancouver public school system for thirty-three years and culminated his career as a faculty advisor and instructor in the Faculty of Education at UBC for six years. He was an honorable man who believed a person could attain the unachievable with hard work and dedication. These values were instilled in his children as well as in his many students. He was devoted to his family and intensely proud of his children and their accomplishments. His beloved border collie Sylvie was always by his side. Ross was an avid reader, gifted writer, golfer and guitarist. He enjoyed squash, tai chi, judo, coaching soccer and traveling. Our special thanks to the dedicated nurses, caregivers and volunteers at Marion Hospice who made Ross' final days peaceful, dignified and comfortable. There will be a service at Ryerson United Church at W. 45th and Yew in Vancouver on March 10th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Wake at Brock House, 3875 Point Grey Road from 1:30 to 4:00. In lieu of flowers, donations to the B.C. Cancer Agency or the Tapestry Foundation for Health Care would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Remembering you is easy. We do it every day. But missing you is heartache. That never goes away. We hold you tightly within our hearts. And there you will remain. Life will go on without you. But will never be the same.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
22 Entries
Kathryn Grant
August 21, 2020
Just recently I joined a FB page for DLG I posted pictures of my Grade 7 class with Mr Butchard. I made a comment that through both Elementary and Secondary schools he was my FAVORITE teacher, his teaching style and support allowed my to learn and by prepared for high school. Soon after I posted this comment one notification after another came up stating the same thing.
I consider myself a very lucky person to have had the experience of his teaching and wish that I would have been able to thank him for what he did for me. I do know that my life was better because of Mr Butchard.
Ian Kennett
May 12, 2020
A great many years ago, 47 to be exact, I had the wonderful experience of having a grade seven teacher at Southlands Elementary by the name of Mr. Butchart. He was fun, kind, had high expectations of all of us, and was a favourite of most students. I remember his satisfied smile in gym class when the long rope he swung around the centre of the gym caught one of us who did not Jump high enough to escape it. What a fine teacher and a genuinely nice guy.
D'Arcy Furness
May 12, 2020
Ross Butchart was my grade 7 teacher at Southlands Elementary and the most memorable of all my teachers...he was dedicated to his profession and I remembered feeling that all education was equal and important for both the girls and the boys - I didn't feel that way in high school. Kudos to him for being such a pro that we still talk about him and I'm 60! Cherish the memories...he was one of the great ones!
Amy Oleson
March 17, 2019
I am saddened to learn of his passing. My condolences to his family. Mr Butchart was my teacher for grade 6 and 7 at Queen Mary Elementary. He was terrific. He made our classroom experience interesting and engaging. Mr. Butchart inspired me to feel proud about work well done and to value my education. Now as I watch my own children in elementary school, I find myself reflecting back on some of the wonderful teachers who influenced me. The contributions of teachers is so important and long reaching, thank you Mr. Butchart.
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Anne & Stuart Simpson
September 7, 2012
We met Ross and Colleen on board a cruise liner to Alaska many years ago, and soon became aware of how special he was with so many wonderful attributes to his character. The friendship that developed over the years and spanned across the big pond, embraced both extended families, allowing us the opportunity to share and appreciate one another's culture and homeland. What fun we had together as we toured “Little Olde” and “the Colonies”, and how precious those memories will remain.
Ross's gift of mentoring with the written word, his ability to enhance self-belief in those who had the privilege of benefiting from his guidance, his compassion, love and pride of his dear family, his remarkable courage and humour that stood the test of time throughout his illness as he continued in his inclusive educative vein, all act as a wonderful testament to a dear friend who will remain in our hearts and minds forever.
Jo-Ann Hillis
March 28, 2012
Mr. Butchart was my Gr.7 teacher at Southlands Elementary. If memory serves, his son was a little boy when he taught me, and for some reason I remember a Valentines party we had in class and we put together some goodies and told him to take them home to his son. He was a terrific teacher and introduced us to literature, that I would come across again in High School, it wasn't until then that I realized how much advanced literature he had introduced us to. My sincere sympathies.
Jo-Ann (Magnall) Hillis
Vikki Stevenson
March 28, 2012
My condolences to the family on your loss. Mr. Butchart was my Grade 7 teacher at Southlands Elementary. He was funny, intelligent, stylish and expected the best from us. His love of literature truly impressed me and I will always remember him as one of the finest teachers and people I have known.
Manjit Torrance
March 10, 2012
Ross gave me such wisdom when I first started my teaching career. My heart goes out to his lovely wife and family. My greatest moments with him include talks about his love for English and Writing. He was such a wonderful mentor and friend. Whenever I had a tough day, I would go to Ross for adivce. His philosophy of education which we often talked together about is part of my teaching practice today.
With love and gratitude, Manjit
Teresa Marie South
March 10, 2012
I said goodbye to a wonderful friend, teacher, and mentor of 25 years today. I know he'll always be with me...Looking over my shoulder when I am editing and circling my errors in red pen...Or correcting my grammar mid-sentence...Or patting me on the back when I learn a new song on the guitar...It's hard to imagine that we won't meet again in this lifetime. Thank you for listening, understanding, teaching, pushing, and influencing me, Mr Butchart. I promise to never stop making you proud.
Shannon Dove (Anderson)
March 10, 2012
I wish to extend my condolences to the Butchart family. Ross Butchart was my grade seven teacher at David Lloyd George and a major influence in my desire to become a teacher. I will never forget the way he instilled confidence and a love for learning in his students. He will be missed by many.
Eleanor Hughes
March 10, 2012
I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Ross Butchart. Mr Butchart was my teacher for a couple of years at David Lloyd George. He was an extremely dedicated and professional educator, always inspiring his students to excel. He was also a very caring person and often provided extra support to his students when needed. Mr. Butchart was one of two teachers with whom I have crossed paths who has left a long lasting impression on my educational choices and ultimately my life. My deepest sympathies to the Butchart family.
Karina Wai
March 7, 2012
I was fortunate to have been one of Ross's students at UBC from 2003-2005. We learned so much from such a professional, dedicated, and caring man. Even though I graduated seven years ago, we still kept in touch. Ross was always interested in hearing about my students, and he was so encouraging during my early years of teaching. He had such a profound impact on so many of his students. He will be fondly remembered. My deepest condolences to the Butchart family.
Gordon MacKay
March 5, 2012
Mr. Butchart was my grade 7 teacher at Southlands. I recall that all of the grade 4 to 6 students (myself included) were afraid of him, but once I was actually in his class I learned was a great person he was. He set the standard for teaching excellence in my eye, and any teacher I had afterwards was hard pressed to come close to his standards. My sincere condolences to his family.
May Kung
March 4, 2012
Ross was a incredible teacher . It was a privilege to work with him at David Lloyd George Elementary School. He will be missed.
May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
Patricia Gray
March 4, 2012
On March 3rd I wrote an entry in the on line condolence book and forgot to sign my name.
Paula Wesik
March 4, 2012
Ross was an incredible teacher and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this hard time.
Paula Wesik (ubc education)
March 3, 2012
I am so very sad to hear of Ross' passing. He was my first VP at Maple Grove and was so supportive of me as a beginning teacher. Later on we reconnected at Balaclava Dog Park and had many interesting conversations. I always admired the strength with which he faced his illness. Ross always took such an interest in my daughter and her academic and athletic accomplishments. My deepest condolences to his family.
Candace Kay
March 3, 2012
Ross and Sylvie will always be remembered as the unofficial ambassadors to Balaclava park - both with a knack for making everyone welcome! Ross was a gentleman and a kind soul - we will all miss him. Candace, Tom, Alex & Stuart Kay
Gavin Bamber
March 3, 2012
I remember Ross from when we were both volunteers on the Vancouver Sun Readers Panel. He was such a nice guy and quite smart. I will always remember him.
jas klair
March 2, 2012
It was a pleasure getting to know Ross and his family. Ross will be missed very much.
Bruce Carruthers
March 2, 2012
In 1969 and 1970 I had Mr. Butchart as my elementary school teacher. He was simply wonderful and instilled in me, and his other students, a real love of learning and an appreciation for the beauty of the English language. What a superb and unforgettable man! My sincerest condolences to his family.
Cecil Rhodes Elementary School Staff 1973 - 1974
Andrea Nicholson
March 2, 2012
Mr. Butchart was my Vice Principal and Teacher at Cecil Rhodes Elementary School in Vancouver in 1973 and 1974. As we are planning the Centennial celebration for Rhodes this year, there has been much discussion about our great Teachers and Principals from our years at Rhodes and Mr. Butchart is one of them. He was well respected by his students for being very kind, supportive and always offering suggestions on how you might challenge yourself and focus on your goals. He was always interested in updates on track meets and other sporting events that his students attended.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time. We will always remember Mr. Butchart and what he instilled in us, his students.
Andrea Nicholson -Student,
Cecil Rhodes Elementary School
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