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Timothy Joseph Butler

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Hutchinson Central Technical High School

Timothy Butler Obituary

Butler, Timothy Joseph

- February 12, 2024

Passed away peacefully at age 82 on February 12th, 2024. "Timmers," as he was affectionately called, was an unconditionally loving father to Allison Butler Shrestha, a devoted husband of 48 years to the late Mary Lou Butler, a beloved brother to Susan Hoak and a treasured grandfather to Maxwell, Samuel and Emily Belle. After completing high school at Hutch Tech, Tim obtained a bachelor's degree in fine arts from RIT and later, two separate Master's degrees in Graphic Design and Education from UB. While at RIT, he played center for their first-ever collegiate hockey team for 4 years, leading the team to many victories. Known as "Blades Butler," his skilled performances were instrumental in elevating the team from club to varsity status. Tim developed lifelong friendships with his teammates and remained a longtime patron of RIT hockey. Following RIT, Tim boldly embarked on the adventure of a lifetime in his mid 20's by joining the Peace Corps. While serving 2 years as a graphic designer in Georgetown, Guyana, he made lasting friendships and took numerous trips all over South America. After the Peace Corps, Tim returned to Buffalo and earned the admiration of hundreds of students through his 29 years as a high school and middle school art teacher in the Ken-Ton school system. In addition to using his artistic gifts with his young pupils, he tirelessly offered his keen eye for design and his drawing skills to help create physical beauty for family, friends and neighbors. Tim hand-built exquisite furniture, drew charming caricatures of loved ones and constructed masterful and detailed renovations of his Kenmore home. Avid supporters of Buffalo's Performing Arts venues, he and Mary Lou held lifetime tickets to the BPO, Shea's, Studio Arena and Kavinoky Theatres and enjoyed many performances there with friends; in years past, they were also frequent patrons of the Shaw Festival in Ontario, Canada. At home, Tim and his wife frequently hosted lively parties that created merriment and laughter for close friends and neighbors. After retiring, he continued his path as a lifelong learner by taking up boogie-woogie piano lessons. Ever a sports enthusiast, Tim skied, played tennis at the Buffalo Racquet Club and was a golfer at Springville Country Club for many years. He embraced adventure and took trips to Europe as well as visiting many places in the U.S. with dear friends who loved his company. A man of true class and style, Tim's contagious zest for life, his lighthearted sense of fun, his generosity, and his unswerving devotion to family and friends will be greatly missed by all. Donations in memory of Timothy Joseph Butler can be made to the Peace Corps Guyana Country Fund (http://tinyurl.com/y78j78n4) or RIT hockey (https://t.ly/qlNs8 ). Online condolences at www.Burrier-Queen.com.

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Published by Buffalo News on Feb. 25, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Butler

16 Entries

karen s.

October 17, 2024

forever in my heart -his smile brightens the day
his spirit lives in memories
God bless him

Robert Hirsch III

April 11, 2024

Tim was a class act and a positive influence on many young minds. As a member of the graduating class of 1976 Tim's passion for teaching led me to my career as an Art Educator and as a Classroom Teacher. All three of my children benefited from Tim's guidance and support as a Tennis Coach. He was even a member of a USTA Tennis Team that I ran in the 1990s. It is an honor to list both Tim and Belle as lifelong friends. Mr. Tim, you will be missed.
Bob (Mr. Bob) Hirsch and Susan (Miss Sue) Hirsch.

Joyce Pompeo and Family

March 1, 2024

My condolences to Allison and her family. Tim was a great father, husband and brother in law and uncle in our family and will be long time remembered. He took care of my sister Marylou until the end. He will be greatly missed. Fly high Tim with Marylou by your side.

Douglas Gold

March 1, 2024

So sorry for the loss of Tim. He was my neighbor growing up til age 17. Always friendly and I was lucky to have gotten to golf with him about 10 years ago. He will be missed greatly. Prayers to all that knew and loved him.

Claudia Nealon

February 29, 2024

I met both Belle and Tim after I began " a second chapter of my life" with my high school boyfriend, Marv Pozefsky. We spent a terrific week end together at an RIT Homecoming. I adored them both from the start : instant friendship! I am so very grateful that they both came into my life.....our time together may have been relatively short, but it was filled with laughter and joy. My solace lies in the knowledge that these dearest of people are once again together, it is my comfort in the face of such sadness.
My deepest sympathy to Allison and her family, to Susie and Tom, and to all of you who loved them both. Claudia Nealon

Marvin Pozefsky

February 28, 2024

I met Tim when he signed up for the RIT Ice Club. He was the beginning of talented ice hockey players to do their college degrees at RIT. Our relationship on the ice transferred to us remaining great friends. I can't express my feelings of loss. I will remember Tim for the rest of my life.

Diane and Lane Bishop

February 28, 2024

We are just hearing now of Tim's passing. Lane and I are both very sad to learn this news. We had many, many great times with Belle and Tim, at their home and ours, at various tennis clubs, concerts, etc. Did we really eat bear together at that ski club! Both Belle and Tim contributed generously for years to the girl scout troop, making arts (framing student art for a huge project), music (Charlie Brown's Christmas), camping, and more. They remain an important part of our 35 years in Buffalo, as do you, Allison. May you be comforted by knowing what a blessing and joy you were to your parents. With love and sympathy.

Allan shepard

February 26, 2024

They just don´t make them like this anymore! Talented in so many ways, kind, considerate, fatherly, well spoken, proud and loving to all he interacted with. A life long friend since high school and teammate at RIT in its very beginning. A teacher in school and in life to all those willing to listen and learn. He will be missed beyond all measure by all whose lives intersected with his. A life so well lived and a wonderful example for all of us. Rest in peace dear friend.

Al Shepard.

Renee Szarowicz

February 26, 2024

Allison & family,
I'm sorry to hear of your dad's passing and now you are orphaned having lost your loving mom a few years back.
Both your parents were so loving, kind and generous. My life has been enriched by knowing them and sharing fun and at times sad moments with them.
Despite their health challenges they preservered and continued attending the Aquatic & Fitness Center, working out, attending yoga and were an inspiration to others.
I wish you healing, strength, and never ending love as you learn to walk your own path, knowing your parents walk along side you always.
Namaste, Renée

Gayle Molenda

February 25, 2024

Dear Allison, We are so sorry for your loss of your dad and also your mom. We learned of your mom´s passing after the fact. Your parents were great neighbors and I always enjoyed talking with them. We will never forget how proud your dad was working on his art studio in the back of the house and how he loved building his beautiful fence! I remember him talking about what color to paint it! He was so proud of his house and even helped me pick the roof color of our house. Your parents will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Tim and Belle. Love to you and your family Allison, Gayle and Mark Molenda

Barbara (Henn) Richard

February 24, 2024

Mr Butler was such a great teacher. I loved being in his class. You´ll hear that a lot from so many people. If you bring up his name to fellow classmates first there´s the smile on their face remembering him and then they all say they loved his class. Rest in peace Mr B.

Ruth Wiseman

February 24, 2024

Mr. Butler was one of my favorite teachers at Kenmore East! I just mentioned him on Thursday in an art class I am taking now as the last teacher who taught me about perspective in drawing. I send my condolences to his family.

Bruce Bowers

February 23, 2024

Mr. Butler was an amazing man. I will forever remember the lessons he gave. Godspeed, sir.

Adam Corry

February 23, 2024

Had him as I moved to a new school when he taught at Hoover. In a rough transition for a new kid his Art class, his compassion and demeanor are one of my fondest memories of Middle School. Prayers to all who knew and loved him.

peter e schwartzott

February 23, 2024

''Timmers " was my wonderful cousin. He was kind, smart, and talented in so many ways.
He helped me get into RIT with an over the top recommendation.....It made all the difference.
The Butlers were a great family and I am so grateful to be a loving part of it. Please accept our
condolences for your loss.

Jennifer Schwartzott

February 23, 2024

Allison, I am so, so sorry to hear about your dad. What a great and totally cool guy he was. The last time I saw him, we talked about his car collection and about you and the kids and he had that twinkle in his eye. He knew how blessed he was. Our dads got their spunk from our grandmas and they knew how to have fun. What a life well lived. Treasure all those memories you have of your amazing parents and grandparents. Hugs from the Schwartzotts.

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