The world became a little less bright on May 12, 2025 with the passing of Edward Charles Butler. Born on November 30, 1946 in the city of Port Arthur. Despite facing numerous health challenges, Ted never wavered in his love for his family. He lived a life defined by courage, strength and perseverance. He was a devoted husband to Barb, a loving father to Patricia and Ryan, and a proud grandfather to Claire, Declan and Braeden. Ted’s gentle spirit and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Ted met the love of his life, Barbara Lorraine Butler and they married on March 20, 1971. Together, they raised their two children Patricia and Ryan.
Ted spent his career as a teacher. He inspired countless students to explore the beauty of music and to pursue their dreams. Mr. B was known to be everyone’s favourite teacher. His sense of humour and one-of-a-kind teaching style is fondly remembered by students and co-workers alike. Ted played the guitar, accordion, ukelele and the harmonica. He taught at CD Howe, Agnew Johnson and Edgewater Park School. Ted would beam with pride when he came across a former student working in their perspective field. He would say “I taught them”.
Church was a very big part of Ted’s life over the years. He was a member of Evangel Church serving on the worship team being on the board and helping in the kitchen to prepare meals. Ted volunteered countless hours to the church and the community blessing others and sharing God’s love.
Ted was an avid outdoorsman. Ted found joy in camping, fishing and hunting. He looked forward to his annual hunting trips with his friends. He shared his stories and wisdom of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. His grandsons will carry on his fascination with knives by whittling sticks while enjoying the shores of Lake Superior.
Ted enjoyed cooking for others with the love of his life, Barb and enjoyed trips to the North Shore to meet up with his son and grandkids. He loved all animals, and the Butler home was always full of cats, dogs and birds. His granddaughter is following in his footsteps by loving and caring for all animals.
Ted was known for his wit and dry sense of humour. He loved watching sports, CNN, and his guilty pleasure was watching cheesy action movies, westerns, or foreign films with subtitles. Ted’s loving spirit will be carried on by his children and they will forever cherish the memories and lessons he taught them.
Ted is lovingly remembered by his daughter Patricia Butler, by his son Ryan (Kristen) Butler, by his grandchildren Claire, Declan and Braeden, by his brothers David (Pam), Ron (Josie) and Murray (Sondra) and by his sister Lynne as well as many nieces and nephews and their families, by his sister-in-law Maureen Moriarty, Derryl (Mike) Jones, Patti (Fred) Brooks, brother-in-law Paul (Diane) Joy and Don (Leena) Joy.
He was predeceased by his wife Barbara, by his parents Edward and Phyllis Butler, by his sisters Wendy Jones and Mary Butler, in-laws Paul and Mona Joy, brothers-in-law Paddy Jones and Kevin Moriarty.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Evangel Church. We will gather to share stories and memories following the service. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society or to a local animal rescue.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
Give mom a big hug for us ~ love you both to the moon and back
