Phil Butikofer Obituary

Phil Butikofer, 64, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2011, after a brave battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and love up to the end.

Phil was raised in Idaho Falls, the eldest of nine children in Preston and Thelma Butikofer's household. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Phil found his career niche in electronics while attending Boise State University. After getting his degree, he was employed by GE Medical Systems. During his 35-year career with General Electric, he advanced through the organization. He was a highly respected zone and global support engineer. Over time, he relocated to Utah, Wisconsin and California.

He married Ginny in 1971, and they had two adored children, Eric and Hilary. He later married Sue. They enjoyed a happy life adventure filled with love. He became second dad to his dear Kayte.

He loved his family, immediate and extended, with all his heart. Phil was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. He touched countless hearts along the way.

Things we remember most about Phil: He loved nature, his red mountain, birds (including Kevin), being a grandpa, walks on the Zion Sinawava trail with Susie, good coffee, sharing his love of the stars, San Francisco, faces in the clouds, laughing, Paris, kissing babies on the lips, podcasts, hats, making up songs, traveling the back-roads with his Nikon, and so much more. Most of all, he loved his life and the people he shared it with! He was the ultimate uber "Mac Man," working hard to convert everyone he knew. He was a gentleman, a joker and a master of sarcasm. He would rush to your side and give the shirt off his back or the hat off his head. He was genuine. He was kind. He was our Philly Beans.

As a good friend said, "We will honor his life by celebrating our life to the fullest." We know this is what Phil would have wanted.

Those still here missing him are his wife and BFF, Sue; parents, Preston and Thelma Butikofer; dear children, Eric (Melissa) Butikofer, Hilary (Brett) Nielsen and Kayte (Shaun) Brush; grandchildren loved beyond words, Rigby, Wylie, Portia and Emery; cherished siblings, Steven (Fran) Butikofer, Jodi Cupps, Kevin (Julie) Butikofer, Kathie (Eugene) Havens, Jill (Warren) Hawkes, Teresa (Jim) Krynicki, Greg (Lisa) Butikofer, Julie (Dave) Wade and Stacey (Ruben) Garcia; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at a future, yet undetermined, date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Phil's name to the American Cancer Society or Stand Up to Cancer.

Our gratitude goes out to the doctors and staff who provided excellent care for Phil the past three months at both Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah, and Utah Valley Specialty Hospital in Provo, Utah.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary in St. George, (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign his guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post Register from Apr. 16 to Apr. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Phil Butikofer

5 Entries

Lori DeDora

April 21, 2011

Dear Ones,

I have a heavy heart for all that have lost Phil including myself and our “K” girls. I have so many wonderful memories of Phil and can still hear his great full-bodied laughter- I’m not sure what you even call that kind of a laugh! His warm heart can still be felt as he was such a loving protector of his loved ones and animals. It’s such a pleasant mental picture to see him with the birds – so many bird-feeders that all in Southern Utah must have flocked to Susie and Phil’s house and will continue to for many years.

One of my favorite memories is used almost daily. Phil came over to deliver a book case that he and Susie were kind enough to donate to my family and as he was putting it together my daughter asked him how he remembered which way to turn a screw to tighten it. Phil said without hesitation “lefty-loosey, righty-tighty”. That was many years ago but the girls and I still use that lesson. Another warm memory of mine, is the time Phil tried to surprise Sue by flying me to Milwaukee for her birthday. Unfortunately the surprise part didn’t quite work out but it was a lovely week spent in Wisconsin with my dear friends.

It is hard to think of a world without Phil and Sue together. There are so many things he will be missed for – not least of all seeing his grandkids grow up. There’s nothing easy about losing someone like Phil so we will all just have to live with a piece of our heart gone – some bigger than others.

Dan Schafer

April 18, 2011

Sue,
Sorry to hear Phil has passed away. My thoughts are with you and your family. I have many happy memories working with him as a fellow zone support engineer and close friend. I'm sure he will be lifting the spirits of those souls in the afterlife. God Bless! Dan Schafer

Wendy Caputo

April 17, 2011

Susie,

I have fond memories of the camraderie I shared with you and Phil during the GEMS days in SLC.

I loved all of the practical jokes Phil and the guys played on everyone. In particular, his hilarous and innovatively designed "Apple" computer he built using real apples, wires and all to razz one of our co-workers. I am certain that all of the future generations of the MACs were developed on the basis of Phil's innovative concept!

I have truly appreciated the friendship we have continued to share over the years, (even though miles separate us). I will always remember Phil.

I have always admired the love and respect you shared, and the life you built together. It radiated love and happiness. What you shared is rare.

Hugs,

Brent Worlton

April 17, 2011

Eric and Hilary, i'm sorry to hear about your dad. He was a great friend and I have a lot of good memories. May he rest in peace with a healthy mind and body.

April 17, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. It is very difficult to bear the loss of a loved one. May the God of tender mercies who strengthens us in our trials and hardships sustain you at this most difficult time--2 Cor. 1:3, 4. C.Day

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