It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Christopher Frank Butler on November 28, 2022 at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), Civic campus. Chris was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in July. He had the good fortune of meeting his amazing medical team at TOH in August. The incredible skill, care, and compassion they demonstrated throughout Chris’ journey will never be forgotten by Chris’ family. On Monday, he succumbed to this insidious disease, with Pam by his side until the very end.
Chris is predeceased by his beloved father Geoffrey Frank Butler. He is survived by his wife Pamela, and daughters Isabelle and Zoë, his mother Lyndia Eberhardt Butler (John), sister Stephanie Deighan (Colin), sister-in-law Jennifer Johnson (Dave), brother-in-law Bruce Johnson (Amy), brother-in-law Michael Johnson, mother-in-law Catherine Arnott (John), and father-in-Law Bob Johnson (Leslie). He is also survived and loved by his Uncle Keith (Brenda), Auntie Ann (Ron) and other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews from the North, the East Coast and Ontario.
His loss is also being deeply felt by, what Chris called his “logical families” (vs. biological) including the members of Queen’s University (The Tech Eddies), the Kingston Yacht Club, Gloucester High School, his many cycling friends and his neighbourhood in Ottawa. Condolences have been pouring in from far and wide around the globe.
Chris was born in 1973 in Newmarket, Ontario and attended school in Kitchener-Waterloo and Toronto. He attended The University of Western Ontario and ultimately decided to pursue a career in the trades.
He met Pam at Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club in 1993 and very quickly became her Rock. They lived a wonderful life together for close to 30 years. After they moved to Ottawa in 1999, he continued his career as an electrician. In 2003, Pamela and Chris were married at Blessed Sacrament Church in Ottawa. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to England for 2 years, using it as a base from which to pursue their passion for travel. Their foreign adventures included exploring the myriad of walking and biking trails of the UK, exploratory trips through Europe, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a safari in Kenya, and travel through Australia and New Zealand.
Upon returning to Canada, Chris and Pam settled back into their Ottawa neighbourhood, began putting down roots and started their family. It was great joy that they welcomed Isabelle and Zoë into their lives. Chris could often be found in the park at the end of their street, on his bike or on a paddleboard with one or both of his daughters.
In 2016, Chris decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. It was a natural progression from teaching sailing, to workplace mentorship, and ultimately pursuing his vision of becoming the teacher he never had during his youth. Thus, he returned to university and obtained his Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University while living aboard his beloved sailboat in Kingston, Cayman’went. Chris immediately began sharing his knowledge, expertise, and support to students at many different schools in Ottawa. He found his happy place at Gloucester High School (Go Gators!) and was determined to continue striving to inspire and encourage his students with creativity, commitment, and compassion.
Chris was a true multi-dimensional man. He was a dedicated husband and father, tradesman, teacher, artist, sailor, mountain biker, amazing cook, lover of wine and good conversation. He was always ready for a political conversation or a good laugh. His Halloween pumpkins were inspired and the snow forts he built for his daughters every winter were magical. In his own words he should be remembered for his dedication to boats, bikes and his ‘babes’ (Isabelle, Zoë and Pam).
The family will be marking Chris’ passing privately at this time. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in memory of Chris Butler to support neuro-oncology patient care and research at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. Donations can be made online at www.ohfoundation.ca/tribute or by phone at 613-761-4295 or mailed to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, 737 Parkdale Avenue, 1st Floor, Box 610, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 1J8.
Now please go hug those you love a little tighter and raise a glass to the amazing Chris - A man without pretense yet at home in any environment.
Digital Guestbook
Nancy and Terry Yarwood
Martha Wurtele
I’m so sorry to hear of Chris’s death. My thoughts are with Pam and the girls.
Odile and John McKinnon
Pam, Isabelle et Zoe you are in our hearts and prayers. Chris was an amazing dad, husband and friend, we will remember him always, his smile and easy laugh, his patience and love shone through. He will always remain a part of you.
Ena Holtermann
I am so very sad to learn of Chris's passing. Chris was a wonderful student and always worked so hard to be inclusive and caring in his teaching and learning. He spoke often of "my girls", Zoe and Isabelle and wife Pam. I recall him calling the girls on our late class days just to say goodnight or talk about their day. When I asked students in Chris's class what their teaching philosophy was, Chris popped up his hand and said, "Every kid deserves to know they are worthy.". Chirs has impacted so many students' lives and will be greatly missed by his extended Queen's University family. Our deepest condolences.
Stacy
Chris is my cousin. He will be sadly missed. My heart goes out to the entire family.
Shane Yeo
My condolences to Pam and the family . My cousin was a talented man like his father. Thoughts and wish’s from myself and my wife Lisa .
Michael Lemon
Such a tragedy. The common thread between all tributes truly speak to who Chris is. A kind, considerate , passionate man in every aspect of his life. Mankind could learn some valuable lessons from the way he lived his life and be stronger for it. I was ways in awe of him. As a father, husband and neighbor Chis always exemplified who we want to be each and every day. Always making others his focus, lending a friendly ear, and showing unparalleled compassion and care for those who were blessed to have him enter and touch their lives. In his honour may each of us remember all his wonderful qualities and carry them forward, sharing them with our families, friends, even strangers. Doing so will always keep his spirit alive with us and allow others to benefit from the lessons we learned from him. My thoughts are with his girls, Pam and all those mourning the loss of such a truly inspiring gentleman
Allie and David Pontbriand
Chris was an amazing friend, we'll cherish the great memories from our family vacations together. Such a wonderful person. Pam and girls, we'll hold you in our thoughts. Lots of love.
Sue and Paul
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. He is gone far too soon, and we are all so very sorry for your loss.
Leslie BlakeCote and Bob Johnson
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our son-in-law, Chris. Of the wonderful memories we have of Chris, two in particular stand out. One is that he was such a great adventurous cook. Another, was the time Chris was a "stay at home Dad" proudly sporting his own personal diaper bag emblazoned with flames along the sides. Chris, you will be in our hearts forever!
Dear Pam, Isabelle, and Zoë,
It is with great sadness that we heard of Chris’s passing. Whenever we bumped into him on the street, we were always greeted with a smile, followed by a friendly chat. He will be greatly missed by the whole neighbourhood.Our thoughts are with all of you.
With deepest sympathies,
Nancy and Terry