EAST MILLINOCKET – Ralph “Roy” L. Butler, 89, passed away Oct. 12, 2011, after a brave fight against cancer. Roy was born June 5, 1922, in Portland, the son of Edbert O. and Alice (Dawes) Butler.
He is survived by sons, James of Southbridge, Mass., John of East Millinocket, Ronald of High Point, N.C., and Miles of East Millinocket; a granddaughter, Angela Barber; three great-granddaughters, Marilyn Taylor, Sara-Ann and Julie Keiko, all of Laguna Niguel, Calif.; along with many nieces and nephews. Roy was predeceased by his wife, “Gert”; daughter, Lynn-Ann; three brothers, Donald, Harold and Ernest “Peanut”; and a sister, Evelyn.
Roy graduated from Madison High School, class of 1941. He was drafted into the Army Air Corps in December 1942, and remained in through the end of the war in November 1945. During World War II he served as control tower operator throughout Central Europe, hopscotching across Europe from Normandy to just short of the Rhineland, moving as fast as a new airfield could be captured. He lost his youngest brother, Ernest “Peanut” – missing in action somewhere over the Yugoslavian mountains during the war in May 1944. After returning home he worked for Great Northern Paper Co. until his retirement in 1982, after 43-plus years. He enjoyed “camp” at South Twin lakes and was constantly puttering in the shed at home or the camp in the summer. Sports were always on the TV at his house. At one time he was a big Red Sox fan – many years ago – but something or somebody turned him and we “til this day” don’t know what happened, but it sure led to some hot “talks” at the house, or anywhere someone would listen, on the subject of the Sox!
Per Roy’s request, there will be no services. Gifts in his memory may be made to CancerCare of Maine, Lafayette Family Cancer Center, 33 Whiting Hill Road, Brewer, ME 04412. Messages of condolence may be expressed at
www.lamsonfh.com.