Leroy C. Butler

NORTHFIELD - Leroy C. Butler, beloved husband and devoted father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Jan. 14, 2015, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. Roy simply enjoyed life and all it offered. Throughout his life he thrived in the roles of son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, teacher, student, volunteer, painter, farmer, gardener, woodsman and traveler among many others.

Born April 27, 1938, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Leroy and Eline Butler and grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University in North Carolina and doctorate in chemistry from the University of Vermont. Roy was married to Elizabeth Ricks on June 15, 1963.

Roy was a true lifelong learner and educator. He went on to a creative career as a chemistry professor. This included embracing the opportunity of sabbaticals to travel and teach at other institutions. One such sabbatical took them to unique experience in Scotland for a year. He also collaborated on a unique multiyear program to conduct water studies on Sanibel Island, Florida. Additionally, he introduced a teaching methodology called guided inquiry to his classes at Norwich that freed him from the lectern to become a partner to the students as they learned.

After retiring from college education Roy poured his passion for knowledge and education into a volunteer role at his grandchildren's elementary schools. His enthusiasm for the world included an ongoing interest in art; most recently with watercolors. It wasn't enough for him to just learn and create, it was important for him to share this activity with young, budding artists at the elementary schools.

Through his many interests and activities including farming, photography, skiing, tennis, golf, woodworking, piano and Scouting Roy was always teaching, learning, exploring, creating and growing. For him, each experience was always best when shared. From his childhood and throughout his life, Roy loved the game of baseball and will always be a Yankees fan.

Survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth; son Timothy Butler, of Fairlee, Vermont, and his wife, Lynne; daughter Justine Myers, of Waterbury Center, Vermont, and her husband Jim; son Christopher Butler, of North Reading, Massachusetts, and his wife, Maryellen; grandchildren Jack, Ryleigh, Annalise, Garrett and Thessalie.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Northfield United Church. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to support Christian education may be made to United Church of Northfield, 58 S. Main St., Northfield, VT 05663.