William J Butler - Online Memorial Website

Not Gone, Just Away

 

To all who knew and loved you

I wish that they could see

All the joy and laughter

That you brought to me.

 

You had a way of doing things

A style that's all your own.

"Don't rush to get it done"

If only we had known.

 

Safety for others is what you did,

That's what you cared about,

Making sure they'd be okay,

You thought without a doubt.

 

All those who know you

If they had the chance to say,

"Our friend and companion Billy,

Is not gone, he's just away."

No one is promised tomorrow, but we dont think its going to happen to us.  When I hugged you May and said good-bye, I didnt know it was to be forever,  I remember when I was younger all the times Billy used to ask me where things were and I knew, then he would say "cause elephants never forget", to this day I dont know what that meant, but he would always snicker after he said it.... He would do anything for anyone, and never asked for anything in return, he was so humble, I could take lessons from him.  We miss you and love you, but know that the Lord took you for a reason, and someday we will see you again....

Enjoy your eternal rest. and know that you will live on in our hearts and  memories, 

I have so many wonderful memories of our life together.....holidays, birthdays, get togethers, etc.  From this tragedy, I am now living my life as though it was my last day, as I don't want to have any regrets and am making the most of each and every day.  In memory of Bill, I wish each of you would do the same.  Bill loved life, his family, his children, all his grandchildren, hunting and the list goes on. He was always willing to help anyone, putting aside his own wants and needs.  I can't recall him ever refusing to help someone.  He was my life, my heart my soul, and I miss him more and more every day. When you spend 30+ years with someone like I did, you pretty much can predict their emotions, feelings, and reactions.  He made an impact on everyone he knew, and had so many wonderful people in his life who cared about him.  Remember the good times you had with Bill, whether he was your brother, uncle, father, grandfather or friend.  You all have him in your heart, that special part of him that cannot ever leave you. When you think of him....smile and remember the special times you had with him and treasure those moments.  Stay close to your family....love and live with passion!  I love you all for loving him and for what you gave him...part of yourself!

I remember Billy was always interested in two things, hunting and working on cars. He always helped me with my cars and rebuilt his own for the drag strip. I can remember he helped me with some major work and had parts left over. His comment " You didn't need them anyway!" He loved to hunt. He never made it to Colorado so I will dedicate next years' elk and deer hunt to you Billy. I still see that smurk, as Robin calls it. And I still hear that one of a kind laugh. I am really going to miss him.

I remember as a child, Dad used to lay on the couch, and have us pick the "kittens" out of his belly button. They were actually little pieces of lint, but we thought they were really kittens. We used to fight over who was going to pick the kittens out first! I miss those times I had with my father. He was a wonderful man, and I miss him deeply.  I love you, Dad!