Michael John Butler 'Mike' (24 Jun 1942 - 22 Aug 2020)

Dear Dad,
I had to let you know how heartbroken I am and how much I’m going to miss you. You’ve always been my perfect Dad since day dot. Thank you for being such a fun and loving Dad. I remember my school friends were jealous they didn’t have such a great Dad like you. To me you were always my hero in a bearskin hat, seeing you in your uniform made me feel so proud.

I can’t believe you left us so suddenly without us getting a chance to say goodbye to you. The only consolation I have is that you didn’t suffer. When you first told me of your diagnosis I was totally shattered to think I would lose you so soon. It was selfish of me but I wanted you to live forever, because you’re my wonderful Dad and I wanted to share you with Ian, Jenny and Jamie so they could get to know you better as they grew up. They will always have such great memories of you. It was such a shame that you never met Bill, he would have loved you as much as we all did.

I’m sorry that you’ve had illness for so many years, but you fought so hard to not let it affect the wonderful life you had with Sue.
It was wonderful that we had such lovely phone calls. I was always waiting for the punchline in every story you were telling me, how many times you got me! It’s great that Mick has your sense of humour; he doesn’t show it to everyone all the time, but I know it’s there and where he got it from. So thank you for passing on those fun genes to him.

I’m so, so glad that I contacted you when Jenny and Jamie were young, I couldn’t believe how fantastic it was to have my Dad back in my life. Also, we had Sue as part of our lives too. She is such a wonderful lady and I can see exactly why you married her. I’m afraid she’s stuck with us all now!

I’ll finish now by saying, that now you have no pain, I’m afraid you left that with us, you have always been such a big part of my life and no one can fill that gap. I will see you again one day, so keep a note of any stories you need to tell me one day.
With all my love forever Julie xxx

In Loving memory of a brilliant Dad, Father-in-law and Grandad. You will be remembered with love always.
Rest in Peace and be careful with some of you jokes up there xxx

Dear Dad,
You were a warm, loving and fun-loving Father to Julie and me. A natural leader and a brave soldier who served your regiment and country with distinction and honour, you made us all immensely proud of you.
Although circumstances led to us spending many years apart, I'm so glad that we made our peace and were able to catch up on many of those missed years, sharing happier times as you bravely fought your illness.
I'm so pleased that you found a soulmate in Sue and that you had a long and happy marriage. We're so grateful to her for truly loving you in sickness and in health and for the dedication and care she selflessly provided over so many years. Thank you Sue.
Rest in peace now Dad, knowing that I'm honoured to bear your name and that your legacy lives on through your children and your five grandchildren, who continue to make us all proud.
With love - Michael x

Mike thankyou for always being there for me when I was growing up, I will always remember the good times we shared.
Words cannot describe the pain that my big sister Sue must be going through at this moment, but I promise you Mike we will always look after Sue for you.
RIP Mike, Love from Martin, Winnie, Jack & Grace xxxx

Mike you have been the best brother in law , dad,grandad,and so much more to Frazer and me , we have loved all the jokes and the guidance you have show Frazer and l over years . We are going to miss you loads . I promised we will always try our best to look after sue . And l hope Frazer will carry on making you proud Each and every day love you lots jo and Frazer xx

All our love to our beautiful sister sue, our thoughts are with you sue at this sad time on the loss of your beloved husband and your soulmate. Sleep in heavenly peace mike ( so many words left unspoken ) thankyou for all the years you have taken care of our sister as we know she has taken care of you , xxxxxxxx

My darling Mike,
You left me without a last wave or goodbye, after 39 years together. I am completely devastated & heartbroken darling.
Thank you for all the wonderful adventures we have enjoyed throughout our married life.
I will remember all your naff jokes (and will be telling them to anyone who will listen) I will remember all the stories & all the songs you would sing.
We've had so many rough times but have stuck together no matter what.
I will miss your support & comfort whenever I've had a bad day, but thank you for making me a strong independent woman. (Although not feeling that at this moment in time) x
God bless you my darling, I will love & miss you for the rest of my days x
Say hello to our loved ones, & our fur babies when you meet up.
Rest your weary head on the soft pillow, & know that I love you
Xxxxxxxxx Sue xx & Jake xx