Butler, William N.
William Nelson “Bill” Butler, 81, of Farmington, beloved husband of 60 years to Penny Jane (Martin) Butler, passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a courageous battle with Leukemia on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Bill was born on April 1, 1942, in Hartford, son to the late Edgar Buell Butler and Sarah (Taylor) Butler.
Bill grew up in West Hartford and graduated from Conard High School. Following high school, he proudly served his country with the United States Army. During his time in the service, he was assigned to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and was stationed in Paris with the Dental Corp Unit. Penny joined him there while he finished his last year in the service. They then moved to Switzerland where they worked and attended college. Upon returning home to the United States, they settled in Boston whereupon Bill continued to work towards his business degree from Boston University. They later returned to West Hartford where he finished his degree from the University of Harford and shortly thereafter launched into a career that quickly turned entrepreneurial.
He started with Butler Nursery and Garden Center in 1972 which he eventually sold in 1995 to focus on his blossomed landscape design and lawn and arboriculture business while growing his other businesses including Line Systems in Chicago, Butler Power and Rental, and Butler Construction (known today as BCI) which his son's presently run. Bill served on the Finance Advisory board for the Town of West Hartford and was elected president for three terms for the CT Landscape Contractors Association. Bill is also fondly remembered as a coach for the West Hartford Youth Hockey League. After retirement, he relocated to Farmington and became a volunteer fireman and EMT for the Oakland Garden Firehouse and served on the board as Commissioner of Fire and EMS services for the Town of Farmington which included five fire houses. Bill believed in the value of hard work and set the example for his five sons. He was so very proud of them and their achievements. He was a fun-loving Dad, providing a lot of adventures for his family. He loved his sports and was considered a natural athlete. Name the sport and Bill most likely played it, enjoyed it, and conquered it. Hockey was his passion. While in France he played with the Canadians of Europe and while in Switzerland, he helped to form a team in the town that competed in other mountainous villages.
Anyone who knew Bill or even just met him, understood that he loved his home on Lake Memphremagog in Mansonville, Quebec. It was there that he shared his passion for outdoor adventures with his family and friends. In retirement, Bill developed many hobbies. He and Penny enjoyed a mini farm (Hay Penny Farm) with horses, chickens, and pets. He learned the art of beekeeping and produced delicious honey to share.
Bill lived a rich and full life. His legacy of hard work, independence, and sense of fun will live on through his family and the many lives he touched. His infectious spirit and love for life will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
In addition to his loving wife, Penny, he is survived by his five children and eleven grandchildren, John Butler and his wife Lori of West Hartford and his children Dylan and Wyatt, Bill Butler and his wife Jodi of South Burlington, VT, and their children Sierra and Jules, Bob Butler of Enfield and his children Samuel and Tiffany, Tom Butler and his wife Barbie of West Hartford and their children Ava, Harrison and Lena, and Tim Butler and his wife Karly of East Granby and their children Henry and Lilly; his sister, Judy Shea and her husband Jim; his brother, Ted Butler and his wife Vicki as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Bill was predeceased by his parents; his beloved daughterin-law and Bob's wife, Caroline Butler and his sister-inlaw Suzy (Martin) Bronstein.
Bill's family deeply appreciate and thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the UConn John Dempsey Medical Center Oncology Department for their loving care and compassion provided to him during his time of illness. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 11-2 p.m. at the Lodge Community Chapel, 130 Deerfield Rd., Windsor, with a memorial service to begin at 2 p.m. in the Lodge Chapel. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's name may be made to the NEAG Cancer Center Bone Marrow Transplant Fund, Conn Health-NEAG Cancer Center, Attn: Patty Smith, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030-1834, with a note stating the specific intent. Other suggestions from Bill's family would be to donate blood at the American Red Cross. To leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.