Obituary of Donald Butler

BUTLER: Don was born on December 19, 1952 in Souris, Manitoba to Clare and Nellie Butler. He passed away on February 16, 2020 at Fairview Personal Care Home shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Don started kindergarten at King George School in Brandon, with the remainder of his public schooling being in Souris. Don was involved in many sports and was an excellent athlete. He attended the University of North Dakota, graduating with a degree in physical education. Don's first teaching job was in Carman, Manitoba. His teaching career was cut short at 23 years of age when Don was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Even though this was a life changing moment, Don did not let this slow him down. After leaving Carman, he took classes at Brandon University and did some tutoring. He continued to be involved in the sports he loved and involved himself in other meaningful ways. He coached the Souris Blues ladies ball team, and managed the Souris Elks senior hockey team. Hockey road trips were no problem as the team would just lift Don and his wheelchair onto the bus and away they would go. Don was also on the board of many organizations such as the inaugural board of the South West Regional Health Authority, the MS Society, Brandon Neighborhood Renewal Corporation, Helping Hands and the MLPD provincial branch. He was instrumental in getting the congregate meal program started in Souris. Don and Jim Hill were responsible for starting up music in the park in Souris, with a slogan of dissing the "dis" out of disability, and the money raised was used for implementing accessibility at many locations in town. Don is remembered by everyone for his quick smile and charming wit, his genuine interest in those he met, his strength and his positivity and his love of life. He dealt with life's challenges with dignity and grace. He is an inspiration to his family and friends of the strength and resiliency of a beautiful human spirit. Don is survived by his wife Karen O'Hara and his step children Michael and Kristi Josephson and their families in Vancouver, brother Doug Butler and wife Martha in St. Louis, MI, nephews Christopher and Michael and niece Elizabeth. He was predeceased by mother Nellie Butler in 2001, father Clare Butler in 2005, father-in-law John Jacobsen in 2008 and mother-in-law Agnes Jacobsen in 2016. Don is being interred at the Souris Glenwood Cemetery. A Celebration of Don's life will be held in the spring. Donations in memory of Don may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 457-9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4A9 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8.