Obituary of John "Howard" Butler

After a short illness, on November 13 at the age of 90. He leaves his wife Miriam (Shantz), son John (Jackie Bryers) and daughters Mary and Jane (Phil Dietrich) and his beloved grandchildren Jack and Peter Butler, and Scott and Amy Dietrich. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Vera Butler and many adoring nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews from both the Butler and Shantz clans. Howard was born on February 23, 1926, the third of four sons of Leigh Elkington Butler and Jean Barber and the much loved nephew of Margaret Lemon. His brothers Keith, Bill and Alan predeceased him, as did sisters-in-law Bev Hanley,Pat Butler and Marian Shantz, brothers-in-law Fred and Hugh Shantz. Howard grew up in Kitchener, attended high school at KCI and served in the RCAF for the latter part of WW2. He then obtained a Pharmacy degree at University of Toronto before undertaking a highly successful forty year plus career in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily as a representative for Wyeth (now Pfizer). After retirement he continued to work until age 85 as a part-time pharmacist with Shoppers Drug Mart. He was a gifted athlete, playing badminton from an early age into his late forties (and then squash for a further twenty years), football and basketball in high school, and golf from his early twenties and for the rest of his life. His badminton achievements were notable, including winning the US Open Masters singles title in 1967. To recognize his sporting achievements, he was made a member of the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame. Howard was also a 70 year member of Westmount Golf and Country Club. He was a kind, gracious, sociable and gentle man who will be deeply missed by his extended family and all others who had the privilege of knowing him. Friends are invited to share their memories of Howard with his family during a memorial visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Friday, November 18, 2016 from 2-5 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Church of St. John the Evangelist, 23 Water St. N., Kitchener, on Saturday November 19, 2016 at 1 p.m. A private family interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Howard's honour may be made through the funeral home to the Mennonite Central Committee, Church of St. John the Evangelist or a charity of your choice at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. We wish to thank Dr. Kelly, Dr. Moolman, Martha Karn, and the wonderful nurses on 5D N at KW Hospital.