Michael Clarence Butler

Michael Clarence Butler passed away on April 16, 2016 surrounded by his loved ones after a brief bout with cancer. Mike was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 4, 1952 to Myron and Carolyn Butler. He was the only son and brother and grew up in a house of girls. He would always talk of spending his youth traveling around the intermountain region for horse races his father would participate in. Growing up in Granger, he attended and graduated in 1970 from Granger High School where he played football and created friendships that would last through the remainder of his life. After high school, Mike would serve his Lord and Savior as a missionary in the New England States Mission for two years. Often he would recall fond memories serving Christ and the people in that region and was thrilled to be able to return there to visit many years later with his wife. Mike married the love of his life Pamela Jean Beazer on November 8, 1974 for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Their little family soon grew to include children Jeff, Kallie, Shanna, Cari and Troy. Mike loved to spend time with friends and family and spent his lifetime nurturing relationships with all those he grew to love and respect. Since his passing, we have heard many stories of people whose lives he has touched with his sense of humor and his willingness to serve others. Mike had many passions in life including working in his yard where only he could do it to his satisfaction. He loved golf and would look for any reason to go out for a round. He especially enjoyed this passion with his sons and would try to get out with them as often as the opportunity allowed. Mike also was passionate about photography. He would often look for the opportunity to go out at odd hours when the light was just right to get the perfect picture. Many times he would inquire of his children to take their mother home so he could go for a drive to take pictures. Most importantly he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Mike was an exceptional and loving grandfather, who always took the time to be with his grandchildren. Every grandchild had a special bond with grandpa and he would make each one feel as if they were the favorite one. All of them recall grandpa as a big teaser and jokester and will always remember him for his laughter and giant bear hugs. Mike is survived by his eternal companion Pam. They were married for 41 years, each year being fuller and more loving than the last. His last words in this life were proclaiming his eternal love for her. He is also survived by his children: Jeff (Natalee) Butler of Keller, Texas; Kallie Butler of Draper; Shanna (Ben) Homer of West Jordan; Cari (Craig) Land of Midvale; and Troy (Angela) Butler of Lovell, Wyoming. Grandpa will also live on in the hearts of his seven grandchildren: Coleman, Kaden, Leah, Andrew, Brock, Taysom and Emery. He is also survived by his sisters Sue (Michael) Crookston, Debra (Randy) Dowse, Gay (Bryan) Rogers, Sherri (Shane) Engstrum and Tami (Steve) Austin and numerous nieces and nephews whom were very dear to him as well. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Billie and mother-in-law Norma Beazer. A viewing will be held at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary (1007 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah) Wednesday April 20 from 6:00-8:00. Funeral services will be held Thursday April 21, 2016 at the LDS Church House located at 3737 South 5600 West, West Valley City at 11:00am with a viewing starting at 10:00am. Interment at Valley View Memorial Park. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com The family would like to thank all for the outpouring of love and support from family, friends and neighbors who have been exceptionally thoughtful and loving with well wishes, thoughts, prayers and the food provided during this difficult time. We love you Dad/Grandpa and we will see you again!!!