Judge Robert "Bob" James Butler (Ret’d)

It is with deep sadness and a lifetime of wonderful memories that we, the family of Robert James (Bob) Butler, announce his passing on December 4, 2020 at the age of 96. Dad was born in August of 1924 at his home on Jubilee Road in Halifax. He was the eldest son of Samuel and Mary (Flinn) Butler. Dad attended St. Thomas Aquinas School and St. Patrick’s Boys’ High School. He graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a BA and from Dalhousie Law School with a LLB in 1949. He was admitted to the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society shortly thereafter.

In addition to his parents, Dad was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, our beloved mother, Aileen Ann (Cosgrove) Butler; his brother, Kenneth; and his daughter-in-law, Denyse (Landry) Butler. He is survived by his children, Gregory (Alison), Canning; Bernard, Charlottetown P.E.I.; Rosemary (Mark) Cuming, Hubley; and Ian, Abbottsford, B.C. Granddad’s love will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Matthew, Rebecca (Dyan), Jonathan (Ashley), Jeremy (Elyse), Meghan, Daniel, Jordan (Amy). Dad also leaves behind his treasured great-grandchildren, Emily, James, Luca, Eliza, Kenji, Kiyoko, Hazel and Oscar. He is survived by his sister, Joan Hames, Halifax; his brother, Peter (Laura), Halifax; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bob is also survived by his second wife, Theresa Laffin and her children, Margaret Ann, Michael, Theresa Marie and their families.

Early in his career, Dad practiced law with his father’s real estate and construction company, Butler Brothers Ltd. They were involved in the construction of many homes in Halifax and the first shopping mall ever built in the city, the Bayer’s Road Shopping Centre. He served as an Alderman for the city of Halifax from 1957-1963, becoming Deputy Mayor and acting Mayor during this time. He was very involved in community service, including as Chairman of the Halifax Board of School Commissioners, Charter President of the Rotary Club of Halifax Northwest and Member of the Board of Directors of the Halifax Infirmary. Dad was appointed a Queen’s Council in 1973 and a Family Court Judge in 1976 where he served for 26 years. In this capacity he positively impacted the lives of many young people and their families.

He had fond memories of a happy childhood, which included running across the street to the elementary school just as the bell was ringing. Dad was an avid hunter and outdoors man with his father, brothers, many uncles, cousins and sons. He enjoyed over 40 happy years at his much loved hobby farm in North Kingston, N.S., with his children and grandchildren, as well as at our family cottage at St. Margaret’s Bay, where many cherished memories were made. He was passionate about his gardening, wood-splitting and all aspects of being a hobby farmer. He enjoyed playing the piano and mouth organ and was enthusiastic about driving and exploring the countryside in his favorite car of the time. Dad was a devoted family man who taught us all to appreciate the beauty of our world with his kind and gentle nature. He loved us all and knew that we loved him. He and Mom also taught us the principles of integrity and love which will be passed on to our future generations. Dad was a constant in the lives of his family. He will be dearly missed!

We would like to thank the staff at Parkland at the Gardens for their professional and empathetic care of our father. Please honour Dad’s memory by sharing a kindness with your family.

Due to the restrictions of Covid 19, there will be no funeral. Cremation has taken place under the direction of J.A. Snow Funeral Home. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

" He that plants a tree loves others besides himself "

-Thomas Fuller