William James “Butch” Rand, 75 passed away unexpectedly at his home in Shrewsbury on Sunday, March 13, 2022. He is survived by his daughter Kristen Rand Hennesesy and her husband Andrew of Lisbon, New Hampshire; brother Richard Rand and his wife Dawn of Northborough; sisters: Carol Gelinas and her husband Albert of Spencer; Karen Rand Pozzi of Shrewsbury; Cynthia Henderson and her husband Brian; Candy Rand Snyder of Strafford NH; Kay DeWolfe and her husband George of Millbury; and his significant other, Susan Proulx. He leaves numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins and friends. Butch is predeceased by his wife of 36 years, Sharon A. (Collins) Rand and sisters Cathy Bradshaw of Center, TX and Cheri LaPan of Grafton. Butch was the oldest of 9 children, born in Leominster, MA, to James E. Jr. and Eleanor F. (McNamara) Rand. The family moved to Shrewsbury when he was eight years old and settled in there, calling it their home. Butch graduated from Shrewsbury High School in 1965 and attended UMass Amherst. He was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. He was assigned to, and proudly served as an U.S. Army Ranger during his tour. When Butch returned from the war, he found himself being called back to his hometown of Shrewsbury, working side by side with his father at Wilson & Rand Gas Station on Maple Ave. In 1971, he started his own towing company, Rand’s Towing. Finding a love for the business, he ventured out to build, own and operate Rand’s Automotive Center located at 185 Memorial Drive, Shrewsbury, MA (opening in 1982). Rand’s has proudly served the community for over 42 years and as a ASE Certified technician, he was known as one of the best mechanics for cars and trucks in the area. Butch enjoyed spending time with family and friends gracing them with his contagious laugh and smile that would light up the room. He found joy in being around people and was always quick to host an event in order to bring everyone together. He had a gracious and generous heart which was displayed by all the time he spent volunteering or helping others with whatever tasks needed to get done. One of his greatest gifts was when he saved his sister Karen’s life by donating stem cells in 2010 and sharing his home with her during her recovery. Butch was an active member of the Masons, and he most recently served as Worshipful Master for the Matthew John Lodge in Shrewsbury. He also served as the Commander of the Ray Stone American Legion Post #238 in Shrewsbury. In his spare time, he loved skiing with his brother Dick, whom he took on many trips with to places such as The Swiss Alps and Argentina, along with several skiing adventures throughout the United States. If he wasn’t working at Rand’s Automotive or traveling, you could either find him spending time at his lake house in Charlton enjoying the open waters on his jet-skis, and riding his motorcycles on weekends. Butch had a love for life, never took a day for granted and was always up for an adventure. He was always eager to help others, donate his time and lived his life to the fullest. He leaves his family, friends, and the community that he was known by with many memories that will carry on his legacy. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, on Friday, March 18, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 PM Funeral service will be held at First Congregational Church, 19 Church Road, Shrewsbury on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations be made in Butch’s honor to the Shriners Children's Hospital at www.lovetotherescue.org. would be appreciated. Interment with military honors will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.