Wednesday, July 10, 2024
One of the most memorable people who have touched my life is definitely Dr . Bob Butt . Firstly, we both grew up in Badger and during my growing up years, I heard many stories about the eldest son of Mr. Ben Butt. I remember as a little girl visiting his store with my mom and being treated to the sugary leftovers of candy in the jar. I heard from some of the townspeople about the son who had become a surgeon , but little did I know that he was to become an important figure in my life .
After high school, I went to Corner Brook to train as a nursing assistant. During one of my rotations in the ER , I was first in a position where I was able to speak with this icon , and to introduce myself as another Badgerite .To my surprise, he was actually interested. After graduating, I went to work in the operating room as an OR technician , and what a privilege it was for me to work directly in surgery with him . In the years that I was there, I learned much from him that I appreciate still .
As well as my time with Dr Butt professionally , I was honoured to spend years singing in our church choir at First United where he was a long time , highly respected member of same choir. There we had social get togethers ie , road trips to other parts of the island to perform , and there was always our choir dinners at West Haven Camp in Pasadena with a bon fire on the beach.
I’m sorry that he is but a memory now , however , I’m so very honoured that he is a solid part of my memories.
My husband , Wayne Payne , also a former Badgerite ,joins me in sending deepest sympathy to Susan and her family and to his extended family, Shirley and Sid.
Sylvia Rolfe, Bennett -Payne.