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Michael Butler Obituary
Father Michael Butler
April 20, 1946 - March 23, 2018
Father Michael Butler, a priest who had served in the Diocese of Colorado Springs since 1988, died March 23 at age 71. Visitation will take place at St. Patrick Church, 6455 Brook Park Dr., on April 4 from 5-9 p.m., with a Vigil at 7 p.m. Bishop Michael Sheridan will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on April 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick, followed by a reception in the parish hall. Inurnment will take place at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Father Butler was born April 20, 1946 in New York City, one of eight children born to William J. and Anne (Curry) Butler.
From 1966-1968, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. After leaving the Army, he worked as a professional photographer for the New York City Port Authority, where he documented the construction of the World Trade Center. He later worked as a photographer in Austin, Texas.
In 1976, he joined Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, a Benedictine monastery in Pecos, New Mexico. He earned a Master's of Divinity from St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, California, in 1983. He was ordained to the Priesthood on May 31, 1984, at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome by Pope John Paul II.
Father Butler began serving in the Diocese of Colorado Springs in 1988 as associate pastor at Ave Maria Parish in Parker. He then served as associate pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Colorado Springs. From 1990-95, he served as associate pastor at Holy Apostles Parish. From 1995-1998, he served as associate pastor at Divine Redeemer Parish.
After a sabbatical, Father Butler served as parochial vicar at St. Patrick from 2002-2004. Father Butler then became a sacramental minister at Our Lady of the Pines Parish in the Black Forest section of Colorado Springs, remaining there until 2010. He was serving as sacramental minister at St. Patrick at the time of his death.
In addition to his parish assignments, Father Butler frequently celebrated Mass at Benet Hill Monastery and also served as chaplain at Memorial Hospital and the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, and enjoyed riding motorcycles and scuba diving.
Father Butler is survived by two sisters, Blanid James and Darragh Nielsen; two brothers, Dennis and Shamus; 17 nieces and nephews; and friends, Ken and Caroline Kotcher. He was preceded in death by three siblings: Vincent Butler, Jack Butler and Deirdre Glennon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, P.O. Box 1080, Pecos, New Mexico 87552.
Online condolences:
ShrineOfRemembrance.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Butler
April 5, 2018
Fr. Mike a true friend of Christ and myself. Your humor, confidence in dreams and kindness are truly missed. Blessings, Mary Superata
Gil Gonzalez
April 4, 2018
As I wrote this, I began to look back at the times I would see him in mass as he spoke to us. It was hard to see him on that coffin knowing he can no longer speak, and we can no longer hear his voice. As I wrote this too, I struggled to hold back the tears while more and more flashbacks continued. He was such a nice guy, and although I never got to speak with him personally, I wish his friends and family would acknowledge this quick little message as I am deeply thankful to God for Father Mike. If only he could read this so he could see how thankful I am also because I have learned so much from him at mass. Farewell for now, father. I hope we can have a one-on-one conversation someday when we meet again at the return of Christ. Thank you. Amen.
Leah Bond
April 4, 2018
Father Mike, the world is a much better place after having you in it. I'm not sure why God took you from us so soon. Thank you for making yourself available for me in times of great need. Until we meet again...
Colleen
April 4, 2018
Father Mike - I miss you and all the blessings you gave me and my patients at Memorial - also your humor.
Casey Parker
April 3, 2018
Father Mike, rest in peace,
Charlotte Mills
April 2, 2018
Sorry for your loss.
Joe & Gerri Ortega
April 1, 2018
Fr. Mike it was a pleasure knowing you and having you at St. Pat's. We would also like to thank you for the anointing you gave our son Joe when he was at the brink of death. The words "This is a powerful anointing" will forever ring in our hearts. Joe was totally healed that day! Thank you for your love in Christ and for sharing it with us.
Roy Perez
April 1, 2018
Father Mike, You probably don't we remember, but I remember you. We served in the 69th Signal in Germany along with our friends like Kent, Bill, Doug, Wreeling, Eric, Salvatore, Krohlow, Plumstead, and others. I remember you sharing your thoughts and kind suggestions with me to move forward regardless of the challenges I may face. And you know, you were right. I also remember your humor. It's no wonder you became a priest after you left the army. Thank you and may you Rest in Peace.
"Specialist Perez" (Roy M. Perez)
Kathy Case
March 31, 2018
Fr Mike we will miss you so much at St Pats. You taught us so many beautiful ways of Christ: kindness, patience , consideration and love of our fellow man. Rest In Peace Father. I shall miss your Haleighluah tomorrow.
George Medeiros
March 31, 2018
To Mike's Family and Friends,
I have many fond memories of Mike at the Pecos Monastery. It was a great time for many of us in those Pecos years. It was a joy to have worked and lived in the same community with him. I am truly sorry for your loss. George Medeiros
Jo Ann Harrison
March 31, 2018
Father Mike, you were a wonderful priest and chaplain. You were human, compassion filled, humble, approachable, and full of the spirit. You were kindness on a motorcycle who made us smile. Thank you for your generous ministry. You will be missed by the many people whose lives you have touched.
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