It is with great sadness that Hockey NL announces the passing of the late William (Bill) Butt on Monday, December 7, 2020 at St. Clare’s Hospital.

Predeceased by his parents Edison and Cassandra Butt.  Leaving to mourn his wife of 62 years, Barbara, devoted daughter Deborah Sweetapple (John), Darlene Parsons (David) of Coquitlam, BC, Billy (Alice) of Kitchener, ON, Scott (Laurie Ljubinkovic) of Hope, BC; grandchildren Alyssa Parsons (Mike Varga) of Port Moody, BC, Erin Huygens (Jason) of Kitchener, ON, Milanja Ljubinkovic age 6; great-grandchildren Oliver and Lily Varga, Logan Huygens; brothers Sam (Brenda), Gordon (Mary); sister-in-law Bonnie Butler (Denis) of CBS; and special friends Ron and Marion Pond, John Kidziun, Ontario, Paddy and Jeanette Duke, and Derm Powell.

Bill was a Bell Retiree and active volunteer with the Bell Aliant Pioneers.  He will be remembered especially by the Fort Pepperell Club and his lunch group buddies. Bill made friends everywhere he went and shared and entertained family and friends with his music for many many years.  He was actively involved with minor and senior hockey leagues as a coach, referee, and off-ice AHL official for 25 years.  Bill’s zest for life and determination helped him survive cancer 10 years ago.  A sincere special thank-you to the St. Clare’s medical team; Dr. Harrington and Dr. Murphy and the Nurses on 5 East, ICU, and Dialysis Units.  Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date in 2021.  No flowers by request, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Bell Aliant Pioneers, PO Box 29013, St. John’s, NL A1A 5B5, the Autism Society of NL, or any charity of one’s choice.