We Remember
BUTLER, C.J. “Kip”
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C.J. (Kip) Butler passed away peacefully at the age of 70 surrounded by his loving family and friends on the eve of December 23, 2018 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his two children, Andrew and Claire, their mother Kathy Butler, his brother Bill and his sister Marcia.
Kip was born in Kelowna, BC to the late Melville and Lois Butler on April 27, 1948. After completing a Catholic education through St. Joseph’s and Immaculata, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in political science at the University of British Columbia followed by a Master’s degree from Queen’s before attending Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto (1975). Kip began his career in Law articling in 1976 for H.A.D. Oliver in Vancouver before returning to his hometown in 1984 to start a family. He had a long successful career in Kelowna as partner with Thomas Butler LLP.
Kip enjoyed travel and could tell great tales of his experiences backpacking in Europe, Africa and the Soviet Union. More recently his love of hockey has taken him all around North America to attend NHL games in various cities and to Malmo Sweden for the IIHF World Junior Championship (2014). He was also an avid skier, both on water and snow, and enjoyed boating as a member of the Kelowna Yacht Club for over 25 years.
An accomplished musician, Kip played Bass guitar with various local acts and church groups, most notably the Rowdymen, bringing joy to many with their Irish gigs throughout the BC Interior. He was a dedicated and active member of the Liberal party on both the Provincial and Federal levels and sat on the Board of the Kelowna Share Society for three decades. Kip always had a passion for helping others and served selflessly as primary caregiver for his mother Lois during her final years. He was a man of the highest integrity, a kind and gentle soul, a model father and truly one of a kind. He will be deeply missed.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm at St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kelowna Share Society, www.kelownasharesociety.ca. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm
Location
St. Charles Garnier Church
Share with Others:
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kelowna Share Society. Link: www.kelownasharesociety.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for BUTLER, C.J. “Kip” is scheduled for Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
St. Charles Garnier Church
3645 Benvoulin Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
To Kip’s family – I’m so sorry for your loss. I got to know Kip several years ago. while sitting together on CPP Tribunals. He was such a fine person, and I know that he will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences to you all.
I am so saddened and so sorry to learn of Kip’s passing. He was always so kind to me & truly such a good man.
To Kip’s family, I was a law school colleague of Kip’s and always remember him as a “good guy” at a time when female law students at times faced much more gender challenges than today. The best definition that I heard for success as a person is that you leave this world a better place than when you came in and Kip achieved that on many levels. He will be missed by you and many others whose lives he touch. My sincere condolences.
Kathy, I am so sorry to see this notice. Right at Christmas. He sounds like he was the best father and a wonderful man. I see why I have always enjoyed working with you and value your contribution to this city in so many ways. May his memories fill your heart and soul. Barbara
We are so very sad that our wonderful friend Kip has passed. He was my husbands longest and dearest friend since they were both 5 years old and Kip was our daughters’ God Father. We have spent many a fun time with Kip and his friend Kitty dining out and having sleepovers at our home after a day lounging outside in and around the pool , soaking up the sunshine and laughter together. If Bob and Kip didn’t see each other for a long time it was okay, they just picked up where they left off without missing a beat. It was always a pleasure to be in Kip’s company with his great sense of humour and his wisdom.
We miss you Kip and we know you are not suffering the terrible pain anymore.
Bob and I want to express our sincere condolences to Kip’s children, Andrew and Claire and Kips siblings Bill and Marcia.
Love and Blessings, Maggie and Bob Rebagliati.
My thoughts go out to Kip’s family and friends. I went to high school with Kip and though we didn’t keep up with each other, his name would often come up when I would be with other friends. We shared stories about his mother teaching just 3 of us Physics 12 and going to the lake for skiing, or his music. I will always remember the wry smile on his face. Peace be to you, Kip.
Rick Monaghan
Sad news travels far and wide. We got to know Kip while visiting family in Kelowna over the years. The last time we met was at a Rowdymen’s St. Patrick’s Day gig in The Minstrel Pub, Kelowna in March 2008, a great night with lots of good music and craic. While our paths haven’t crossed in recent years we were sorry to hear the sad news of his passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with his extended family at this sad time. May he rest in peace or as we say Gaelic hear in Ireland “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis…..” (May his soul be at the right hand of God).
Condolences to the family – I knew Kip for over 20 years – mostly in the courtroom – what started many years ago as a business relationship between Kip and me quickly became a warm friendship. It was a privilege to have known him as well as I did, and I will never forget his thoughtfulness and kindness.
I had the good fortune to talk to Kip one last time last Saturday, the 22nd. In spite of everything the only sentiment he cared to express was gratitude, especially for the crazy nexus in our lives that was St Mark’s College, UBC, in the late 60s.. This was typical of Kip, one of the most gentle souls I have ever met. He was also one of the funniest, with a slightly off-kilter wit and an oddly expressive body language — the only person I have ever seen turn a doorknob with his feet. The best way to honour his memory is to keep on the bright side.
I had the pleasure of knowing Kip as a great friend, excellent musician, and a fine lawyer. Anyone that knew him well will have an appreciation for his dry sense of humour and wit, his intellect and wisdom, as well as his honesty, integrity and sense of compassion. I will always have fond and happy memories of the many years we played together with O’Kannagan as well as our other musical endeavours. Peace be with you my friend. Alex Graham
Was so saddened to hear of Kip’s passing. Our two sons were school buddies for 5 yrs including a couple of years in the Boy Scouts (Cubs). I had the pleasure of being a Cub leader along with Kip. I always remember many laughs in our weekly meetings and outings. Just recently my mother was in the hospital for a months stay and she and Kip were in the same room. He shared his journey looking after his mum in her final years. I was truly impressed with his love and care he gave her. Kip was a empathetic gentle man and thought of others before himself. My prayers and thoughts go out to his children and family. Rest In Peace…..
My husband and I know Kip while we lived in Kelowna. He was always kind. So sorry to hear that he has passed on. God Bless You, You have joined the angles.
My husband and I know Kip while we lived in Kelowna. So sorry to hear that he has passed on. God Bless You, You have joined the angles in heaven.