Timeline for Michael Butler
Born: June 6, 1959
Died: August 13, 2013
Michael David Butler, beloved son, father, uncle and friend, went to be with the Lord on August 13, 2013.
Mike was born on Galveston Island on June 6, 1959 to Betty Lou and C.J. Butler. He was a lifelong resident of Galveston and graduated from O’Connell High School. All who knew Mike will forever remember his kind heart and the way he would go out of his way to help others. He loved his sons unconditionally and always put them first above his own needs, and he took great care of his family. He would lend a hand (and his heart) to anyone in need, and he always offered sound advice and support to his family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and a laugh that always made everyone with him laugh too.
Growing up, Mike was an avid fisherman, hunter and loved to play basketball. Fishing the South Jetty and on Charter Boats in the Gulf led him to his career in the professional sport fishing industry. He obtained his Masters license at a young age and eventually became well known throughout the sport fishing community as an accomplished Captain. Mike had an outstanding work ethic and won many sought after billfish tournament titles throughout his career (most recently in 2011, the coveted Poco Bueno while fishing on the Bella Donna). Over the past 30 years, he traveled to multiple foreign ports, spending many seasons in Mexico, the Bahamas and Costa Rica. He eventually moved to Los Suenos Costa Rica and for the past 5 years he provided countless exciting fishing experiences for his friends and clients.
Mike fought a heroic battle against cancer over the past year and a half. His Christian faith, positive attitude and strength throughout his illness were an inspiration to his family, friends and all of those who cared for him. He was a constant source of support and showed compassion and care for others even in his toughest of times. Throughout his battle, his mother (who we are convinced is an Angel) and his sons and family were by his side. Now he is resting in Heaven without pain or worry.
He is preceded in death by his brothers, Ronald and Charles Butler, his grandmother Betty Watkins, and great grandmother Ruth (Mimi) Berthold.
He is survived by “His Boys:” Jordan, Ross, and Kyle; his parents, Betty Lou and C.J.; sisters, Joanne Lackey (Kase) and Diane Callahan (Ronnie); longtime girlfriend in Costa Rica, Olga Diez; her daughter, Tatiana; lifelong friend, Kirk Elliot (Theresa); niece and side kick, Katy Lackey; and numerous nieces ,nephews, and good friends.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at The Galveston Yacht Basin “Yacht Club” on August 31st at 5:00 pm. Deacon Sam Dell’ Olio will be present to honor Michael in prayer and a brief reading of farewell.
In lieu of flowers, Michael’s family has requested that donations be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center’s “Annual Fund” in his honor.
May God be with your family. You will be missed.
Mike will be missed by all who knew him. He was always the most kind and considerate person to me and my family. He is fishing in calm seas now.
We grew up with But (We never called him Michael - he was always But to us) in the East End of Galveston. One year But, Tracy, Kirk and I along with a couple of other kids got together and gave Hiney a bra for Mother's Day. This was one of the funniest memories we had together in Lindale Park. How could any of us forget listening to Bad Company back in the 70's when the pink 8-track tape with a black label held the hits we played over and over like Bad Company, Shooting Star and Feel Like Making Love. Driving around in Kirk's brown jeep listening to Ted Nugent - Strangle Hold could have been our anthem. We all grew up fishing together, stealing Bourbon from Mamma Elliott's stash, having a beer from Jack's keg and a cigarette or two from my parents. I love my childhood with you But - growing up just being kids. I don’t remember a bad bone in But’s body and he was a tall skinny dude with lots of bones. Rest in Peace
Mike was just a great guy. I guess it was his time to sit next to the King.
I am so sorry for your loss.
My prayers to the entire family..Mike I will miss you and our conversations on who always beat who on the basketball court. You were a good man and a good friend and a great competitor on and off the court.I just wish both of us werent always the tallest,then we wouldnt have had to always play against each other. I will miss you my friend, rest in peace..
Words cannot express how my heart goes out to the Butler family in this time of loss and sadness. May you find comfort and peace from the friends and family who love you as well as all of us who are praying that you find the strength to endure this loss. Revelation 21: 3,4 expresses the hope that all of us have for a peaceful life on the earth free from pain, suffering, and death, and is a hope we can depend on, for God cannot lie (Titus 1:2).
Thinking of all of you , Mike was a wonderful person, he will be truely missed . Lifting you all up in prayer. Anne
Praying to God our Father for the the strength to carry and sustain you in your time of sorrow. Classmate of 1977.Heavy heart.
My heart is heavy knowing that Mike has left us far too early. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends. He always had a smile on his face, so kind and upbeat. He will continue be fondly remembered by all of us who grew up along with him.
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations.
May God be with your family. You will be missed.
Mike will be missed by all who knew him. He was always the most kind and considerate person to me and my family. He is fishing in calm seas now.
We grew up with But (We never called him Michael - he was always But to us) in the East End of Galveston. One year But, Tracy, Kirk and I along with a couple of other kids got together and gave Hiney a bra for Mother's Day. This was one of the funniest memories we had together in Lindale Park. How could any of us forget listening to Bad Company back in the 70's when the pink 8-track tape with a black label held the hits we played over and over like Bad Company, Shooting Star and Feel Like Making Love. Driving around in Kirk's brown jeep listening to Ted Nugent - Strangle Hold could have been our anthem. We all grew up fishing together, stealing Bourbon from Mamma Elliott's stash, having a beer from Jack's keg and a cigarette or two from my parents. I love my childhood with you But - growing up just being kids. I don’t remember a bad bone in But’s body and he was a tall skinny dude with lots of bones. Rest in Peace
Mike was just a great guy. I guess it was his time to sit next to the King.
I am so sorry for your loss.
My prayers to the entire family..Mike I will miss you and our conversations on who always beat who on the basketball court. You were a good man and a good friend and a great competitor on and off the court.I just wish both of us werent always the tallest,then we wouldnt have had to always play against each other. I will miss you my friend, rest in peace..
Words cannot express how my heart goes out to the Butler family in this time of loss and sadness. May you find comfort and peace from the friends and family who love you as well as all of us who are praying that you find the strength to endure this loss. Revelation 21: 3,4 expresses the hope that all of us have for a peaceful life on the earth free from pain, suffering, and death, and is a hope we can depend on, for God cannot lie (Titus 1:2).
Thinking of all of you , Mike was a wonderful person, he will be truely missed . Lifting you all up in prayer. Anne
Praying to God our Father for the the strength to carry and sustain you in your time of sorrow. Classmate of 1977.Heavy heart.
My heart is heavy knowing that Mike has left us far too early. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends. He always had a smile on his face, so kind and upbeat. He will continue be fondly remembered by all of us who grew up along with him.
Malloy Funerals & Cremations
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations.