Obituary of Gardner Butt

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great grandfather, Gardner (aka Gard) Butt. He passed peacefully on December 10th, 2024 at the Long term Care Centre, Forteau where he was surrounded by family.

Gard is predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Vivian; his son, Kevin; parents Maud and Eben Butt; his brothers Don, Bill, Clifford and Ches.

He leaves to mourn with loving memories children Anthony (Florence), Elizabeth (Larry), David (Mary Ellen), Gary (Janice), Helen (David), Hazel, and George (Clara); grandchildren Darren, Corina, Anthony, Tyrone, Naomi, Tammy, Tanya, Tanisha, Dana, Tasha, Neko, Ryan, Sierra, Rebecca, Keona, Luke, and Dylan; 13 great grandchildren; siblings Ellen (Stan), Bella, Eileen, Elsie (Melvin), Rex, Viola (Les). 

A gentle man with a kind heart, Dad was well loved and most comfortable in our little hometown of Pinware. A true Labradorian, he rarely ventured far from the Big Land. A hard-working man, he lived off the land and off the sea. A high liner in his day, he spent his summers catching fish and he spent his winters hunting and cutting wood. A Jack of all trades, he wasn’t one to shy away from any challenge. He married and had a wonderful 74 years of life with his one true love, Vivian. Together they brought 8 children into this world. A proud and humble man, Dad was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. The second oldest of 12 siblings, he lived his life taking care of those he loved. On any given day during summer, you might find him at his favourite location, the mighty Pinware River. He absolutely loved to salmon fish. He was a shy man but he was also outgoing and very active. He loved the simple life and surrounded himself with the beauty of coastline living. He worked hard, he loved hard and he was never one to complain. He had a wonderful sense of humour; he was wearing mismatched vamps long before such a thing became popular! He enjoys the simple pleasures of outdoor living but he also enjoyed a good game of cards. The only tv he watched was the Evening News and NHL hockey, esp when the Boston Bruins played. He loved his Tetley tea and his cherry cakes. While small in stature, dad displayed the strength of a giant. His persistence and determination have gotten him through many hardships and challenging times. A patriarch in the community, a friend to all and enemy to none, a wonderful and dearly loved father and a beloved, cherished husband- he touched us all with his presence and left us all with countless precious memories. The final two years of dad’s life were spent at Long term Care, Forteau. The family would like to extend our utmost gratitude to staff at the centre including the devoted staff at the palliative care unit for the stellar care provided to dad and for the support provided to us.

While deeply saddened by our loss, we are also truly grateful for all we have gained by having such a wonderful person as our father. We also take great comfort in knowing Dad will be reunited with his biggest supporter, his soulmate and his everlasting love, our mom, Vivian. May they fly high together with our brother Kevin, for their love and our love knows no limits.

Gard will be laid to rest at Pinware Community Centre, visitation commencing the afternoon of December 11th and on December 12th, funeral service to be held December 13th, 2024 at 3pm.