Farewell to community bedrock
The Hinchinbrook Shire has mourned the passing of one of its most cherished sons.
At a solemn grave-side ceremony beneath grey skies at the farwell to l New Ingham Cemetery on Monday, more than 140 people braved chilly conditions to remember Patrick Butler who died in his sleep aged 95.
Mr Butler was a patron of the Herbert River Junior Rugby League Club, having founded junior league in the district and continued his involvement with the club right up till the end.
In addition, Mr Butler was patron of the Herbert River
Show Society, the Herbert River Jockey Club and Herbert River Junior Cricket Club with players still contesting the Patrick Butler Shield.
The Herbert River Cricket Club’s ground is named Butler Park in his honour.
Son Ricky Butler recounted a colourful life, including enlisting as a soldier in World War II at the age of 16 although he never got to serve abroad due to his youth.
He said his father founded junior league in Hinchinbrook with the formation of Brothers and Surf Life Savers clubs in 1961, serving as president for nine years.
“He’s a life member of the Herbert River Junior Rugby
League, he’s a life member of the North Queensland Junior Rugby League,” he said.
“In 1970 he obtained land from the local shire council on Fairford Road and [built] three football fields and a clubhouse and later the park was named Butler Park in honour of dad.”
Mr Butler said his parents got a new cane assignment in Stone River in 1964.
“Dad continued working at the Railway, clearing land on the new assignment and he also got a job … at a fertiliser depot in Ingham so at that time he had three jobs so he didn’t get much sleep at night.”
He said his father loved
cattle, poultry and racehorses and was involved in the Ingham Show up until late last year.
Mr Butler said dad has also donated a food kiosk to the junior Crushers, which was named the Pat Butler Kiosk.
“Up until 12 months ago he was in that kiosk cooking fish and chips for home games.”
He said Pat will be deeply missed by his family, which includes five grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
He thanked everybody for turning up to celebrate the life of his father.
“I’m sure he’ll be looking down saying ‘I know that bloke,’ ‘I know that lady’ and he’s up there with his mates and he’s up there with mum and my sister.”
Father Damien Mcgrath extended his sympathies on behalf of the community to the Butler family.
“Pat lived a full life … but the fact he lived a long life doesn’t make his passing eas
ier.” Father Mcgrath remembered Mr Butler’s life.
“With Pat there is a lot to remember, not simply be
cause of the length of his life but because of his extraordinary commitment to our local community.”