It is with great sadness that the family of Walter (Wlademir) Leonard Butula announce his peaceful passing on Sunday, August 13, 2023, in White Rock, British Columbia, at the ripe old age of 96.
Walter is survived by Jane, his wife of 49 years; daughters, Gloria (Max), Chris (Shawn) and Katrina (Chunk); grandchildren, Daniel (Belinda), Ross (Karla), Vanessa (Elliot), Emily and Ella; and great-grandchildren, Seb, Lettie and Laker. Also survived by brothers-in-law Victor, Kyo, Hitoshi, Bob and George, and sister-in-law Mitzi, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews across Canada.
Predeceased by his parents Frederick and Jessie Butula, who emigrated to Canada from the Ukraine at the turn of the century; brothers Mike, Paul, Bill in France during WWII, Steve, John, Jack and Morris; three brothers lost in infancy, Ivan, Basil and Petro; and by his three sisters, Elizabeth, Pearl, and Verna.
Walter was born on a farm in Insinger, Saskatchewan, where he attended Wolkowitz Farm School, high school in Rama, and Normal School (which is what teacher training academy was called back in the day) in Moose Jaw. He later attended the University of British Columbia in Vancouver where he completed his studies. Walter devoted his life to teaching for 38 years, working for 5 years in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, before moving to Surrey, B.C. for the remainder of his career. He commenced his chosen vocation in 1945 in a one room schoolhouse while living next door in a one room teacherage for the grand salary of $900 per year!
Walter was a very active member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Vancouver in the 50’s and 60’s which he also helped build. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Cloverdale Council 7276, where he held several offices including Grand Knight and District Deputy. He served as State Membership Director, State Warden, and State Advocate of the B.C. & Yukon State Council. Walter was also a member of Star of the Sea Council 7015 and White Rock Monsignor Francis Clinton Assembly 3802. For over 30 years, Walter was a member of the Cloverdale Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 6, where he participated in numerous fundraising activities. He enjoyed advocating for the poor and fighting for the underdog.
In addition to teaching and charity work, Walter liked to venture into other realms. He and his friend Paul packed up their horses, donkeys, and dynamite and prospected for minerals in the mountains of BC for many years in their spare time. They had a couple of mining exploration companies which did not turn out to be very financially lucrative. He was a terrific cook, a voracious eater, and an avid inventor. Some of his better ideas included tire sealant and a walk-in bathtub for seniors (which did turn out to be quite financially lucrative for someone else when they later ‘re-invented’ these fantastic ideas). None of these projects ended up being very profitable, however, he was a creative soul who certainly enjoyed himself with these endeavours!
на здоров'я (Na zdorovya) Walter!
A funeral mass will be held on September 1st at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Church located at 2250 150th Street, Surrey, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus (BC) Charity Foundation in Walter's honour by clicking HERE .
Knights of Columbus
Prayer for Our Departed Members
God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful,
Grant to the Souls of our departed brothers
The remission of all their sins,
And through our humble prayers,
May they obtain the pardon
Which they have always desired
Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Psalm 121
A Song of Ascents
I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
From whence shall come my help?
My help comes from the Lord
the maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip,
or your guardian to sleep.
Behold, the guardian of Israel
never slumbers nor sleeps.
The Lord is your guardian,
the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
By day the sun will not strike you,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will guard you from all evil;
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your coming and going
both now and forever.