BUTUK, John Alexander

March 26, 1941 — October 12, 2024

John Alexander Butuk, born March 26, 1941, in Fort William, ON passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, with his wife, son, and daughter by his side in Kelowna, BC.

Born to John and Helen Butuk (née Pacaryniuk), John enjoyed playing many sports, including (in his youth) fastball for the Fort William Ukes.  He graduated from Selkirk High School and began working at Thunder Bay Hydro in 1958 as a draftsman. He continued to take on roles of increasing responsibility, when he retired in 1995 he was the Director of Consumer Services.  Later, in 1996, he was elected as a Hydro Commissioner.

John married the love of his life Gloria Furlotte in 1962, and they had two kids, David and Heather.

John lived life well.  He gave back to his community as a member of the Knight of Pythias; a volunteer with the Housing and Urban Development Association of Canada (HUDAC); a member of the Canada Games Complex Members Advisory Committee; and he organized the Thunder Bay Sports Celebrity Dinner for many years in the 1990s.

While in Thunder Bay, John enjoyed working out at the Canada Games Complex, running and playing racquetball. But, the thing he enjoyed most was golf with his wife and dear friends at Chaples Golf Course and the Fort William Country Club.  He always wanted to live on a golf course, so in 1998 he and Gloria moved to Shuswap Lakes Estates, Blind Bay, BC, where he was able to live his dream on the 13th hole.  Subsequently, in 2016, they moved to Kelowna, BC, where they lived on the 10th hole of the Tower Ranch Golf Course, and where he served as a Marshall.

John’s family was the most important thing in his life. He was immensely proud of his kids and enjoyed visiting them and their families in the USA.  John was blessed to be able to experience incredible things in his life.  He watched his kids graduate from University and build successful lives of their own. He saw all 4 of his grandchildren get accepted and attend university. He saw his grandson Carter graduate from USD with a Bachelor’s of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience and a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from the University of Southern California (USC).  He watched his granddaughter Bronwyn graduate from ICOM Medical School and get married.  He travelled the world and made wonderful memories with Gloria. And, he attended 4 Superbowls as well as The Master’s Golf Tournament with his son.

John is survived by his wife, Gloria Butuk (nee Furlotte); son Dr. David Butuk (Yvette) of Meridian, ID; daughter Heather Butuk-Daglish (Andrew) of San Diego, CA; and grandchildren Carter Butuk, Bronwyn Butuk (Zach Weston), Annika Daglish, and Ronan Daglish.  He was predeceased by his parents; brother Bill Butuk; and his dearest friends Jim and Betty McCauley of Thunder Bay – whom we are certain have saved a seat for him at the best table at the finest restaurant, with the best views.

If desired, in honour of John’s life, donations may be made to either the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk or the Canadian Cancer Society.

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