It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph “Joe” Leonard Butler who left us peacefully on Friday, June 27th with his loving family by his side.
Joe will be immensely missed by his adoring wife, June and his loving son, Glen, his brother Charlie (Betty Butler), and his sister, Margaret Ann (The late Jerry Wilson).
He is predeceased by his parents, Gabriel Stephen Butler and Sadie Ellen Butler, his brothers, Patrick (The late Elaine Butler), Lawrence (The late Dorothy Butler), George (The late Margaret Butler), and his sister Lucy (The late Elmer Jardine) who cared for him as a mother after their mother’s early passing.
Joe also leaves behind an extensive list of cherished nieces and nephews and their families.
Born in Rexton, New Brunswick on April 20th, 1939 to a large, impoverished family, Joe endured a childhood of struggle, occasionally sharing memories of collecting bottles every Sunday, and his brother’s inability to sleep with the excitement that there was a whole tube of baloney in the kitchen.
Joe: “We were just like the kids in the book Angela’s Ashes.”
Joining his brother, Pat, in Ottawa, Joe honed his skills and became, in my opinion, the greatest car man who ever lived.
Eventually moving to Kamloops, Joe joined the Eveready Motors sales’ team and soon became the Manager, where he met a customer who was to become the love of his life.
If you were lucky enough to know Joe, you knew June, and witnessed the phenomenal love they shared.
Joe and June opened their own car lot in 1975, a Kamloops landmark ever since, with only 2 cars and the two of them, spending every day together for the rest of his life.
If you’re lucky enough to know them, you know that they never forgot where they started and they never failed to help anyone in need. From the endless people they’ve started in businesses, to the pan handler’s, the Butler’s have improved countless lives.
Words cannot express how much goodness the world has lost with Joe’s passing, nor the endless pain it has caused. His Gruff, No-Nonsense, exterior encased a gentle heart, full of kindness and love. He will be remembered and missed forever.
The family would like to give special thanks to: Doctor Lawrie, who went above and beyond in providing Joe with such excellent care. The staff at Interior Health, for their amazing aid and compassion. The incredible people at the Marjorie Willoughby Hospice House, who gave us unwavering kindness and support throughout our hardest of days.
Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
10 Tributes
I will always say your name with love ❤️
Dear June . My heart aches for you and Glen . Joe was a great man and I have wonderful memories growing up with him and Dad in our family room. I’m very grateful to have known him . ❤️
Joe will be missed. I had much respect for him and June. Peace be with the family.
Dear June and Glen, my sincerest condolences, what a great guy Joe truly was, and what a great couple you two truly were.
It was just my luck to run into Joe in Honolulu and then also visit in Kamloops, we become pretty good friends over the years, his quiet generosity and kindness overwhelmed his gruff and straight to the point character, for those that truly new him.
Our sincere condolences to June and Glen.
I will always remember Joe for his sound advice and
kindness.
Tosh & Donna Tabata
Pat, Pam, Ben and Keegan will miss him too. Sorry, June…leaves us speechless!!!
Joe’s daughter, Pam and his grandsons Ben and Keegan will miss him
I’m so sorry for your loss June. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. I will always cherish the wonderful times and the great conversations that I have had with the two of you over the years at the Ilikai .
Sorry June. When I first started to get to know Joe when I was on location at Butler Auto, he had a rough exterior that I soon realized was not who he was. Joe was a thoughtful, kind, funny man who I know looked after people. I used to enjoy talking to Pete who told me he was second in command only to Joe.
So sorry for your loss June, Love and prayers to you and Glen. Joe will be having a good visit with Mom and Bev just like old times.