Kenneth Ray Butler

Kenneth Ray Butler passed away October 9, 2011, at age 64 at his home in East Hope, Idaho. He was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, on March 28, 1947, to Eugene W. Butler and Vernise G. Sharai Butler. Ken lived most of his life in East Hope, attending Hope Elementary and graduating from Clark Fork High School in 1965. He later attended North Idaho College and graduated from the University of Idaho with a business degree. As a young man, Ken worked in the woods logging. He also worked in his father's saw mill and the Arrow Tie mill, and later partnered with his father to own and operate the Porthill Tavern. He also worked for Ruen Core Drilling as a driller and truck driver, and Lippert Construction as a truck driver and equipment operator. He retired in 2007. Ken lived a full, active life and was loved and admired by many. He was an avid hunter, a 40+ year member of the Clark Fork Fighting Cocks basketball team, and a familiar face in the crowd at Clark Fork High School athletic competitions. He enjoyed travelling, particularly making road trips with friends. A never ending source of humor and entertainment, Ken was well known for his good-spirited antics, shallow dive, and infamous costumes, and he was the star of the Super Fools competition each year. Ken's biggest enjoyment was spending time with family. Whether he was acting as the beloved maintenance man, teasing his favorite nieces, coming up with new sources of front yard entertainment, or initiating a practical joke, he was always planning for ways to make each family gathering better than the last. "Uncle Kenny" was the trunk of the Butler family tree, and he will be greatly missed. His family will forever cherish the time they spent with him and will never forget the special memories they have of him. Ken is survived by two sisters, Janet Hoitt of York, Maine, and Sandy (and Bob) McNeel of Seattle, Washington; a brother, Ed (and Sandy) Butler of East Hope; 10 nieces and nephews; 15 great nieces and nephews; and an abundant number of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Leonard Butler. A memorial service will be held in July 2012 when his family and friends can all come together to reminisce and celebrate Ken's life. Memorial donations may be made to Clark Fork High School athletics or Clark Fork High School Booster Club.