APPLETON – Kenneth R. Butler, 61, died June 20, 2008, in Belfast. He was born Aug. 29, 1946, in South Hope, the son of Herbert and Edna (Tripp) Butler Sr. Ken graduated from high school in Appleton in 1964 and the University of Maine, Orono, in 1966 with an associate degree in business. He worked for Beneficial Finance, Rockland and managed offices for that company in Old Town and Bath. Before going to work for Robbins Lumber, he worked in the woods with his father and brother, Herbie. He also covered Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont for John Deere. Ken served the Lord as Sunday school superintendent at South Hope Community Church, as well as serving as a deacon and school board member. As the log yard manager and log buyer at Robbins Lumber, Ken was also involved with the sustainable forestry initiative, Maine Forest Products Council and served on the board of directors and eventually chairman of the board of Northeastern Loggers Association. Ken loved the outdoors. He loved Allagash and the very special people there, and sunrise on the St. John, fishing and hunting, although later in life he would rather shoot a deer with a camera. He always wanted to teach his grandchildren about trees and was known to give pop quizzes to Beth about bark identification instead of leaves. He loved dogs and would throw a ball for his Shelty, Lilly, before coming in after work. Ken will be remembered for his love for the Lord, his family and his job – he maintained a high ethical standard because of his deep belief in Biblical principles. He was predeceased by his brother, Herbert Butler Jr.; his mother, Edna Butler; and his mother-in-law, Chrystal S. Pennington. Ken is survived by his wife of 39 years, Elizabeth (Pennington) Butler; his children, Joseph W. Butler and girlfriend, Rebecca Pearse, of Camden, Kacy E. Fitzpatrick and husband, Craig Fitzpatrick, of Houlton and Corrie A. Collins and husband, Christopher Collins, of Appleton; brother, Lester W. Butler and wife, Mary, of Florida; grandchildren, Rein M. Butler-Green, Angelica S. Butler-Green, Leanne E. Fitzpatrick, Madelyn E. Collins and Jacob A. Fitzpatrick; nieces and nephews, Kenneth Butler and wife, Pauline, Vicki Eugely and husband, Michael, Joseph J. Butler and wife, Maureen, and the whole family’s inspiration, Katherine Butler. Ken and Beth also have extended church families at Chestnut Street Baptist Church, Bayshore Baptist Church and Appleton Baptist Church. Family and friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, at South Hope Community Church with the Rev. Norman Finnemore officiating. Private burial will be after at LaSalle Cemetery, Searsmont. Those who wish may make donations in Ken’s memory to South Hope Christian School, 142 Main St., Hope, ME 04847.
KENNETH R. BUTLER
