Richard "Mr. B" Wesley Butler Obituary (1947 - 2021)

Richard Wesley Butler, age 73, passed away on January 14, 2021 at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah due to pneumonia caused from complications from overcoming Covid-19. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 4, 1947 to Joseph LeRoy and Signe Leonia Bessie Bruse Butler. He was the youngest of six children. He married the love of his life and best friend, Lois Rencher on June 11, 1971 in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this June 11. He was the father of five children. He graduated from Granite High School and attended the University of Utah earning his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education, and receiving a Utah Special Education Fellowship; Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Utah; and completed all PHD courses in Advanced Math Education except his dissertation from the University of Utah. Richard was an educator and his specialty was teaching math. He started his career working at the HAB Center (Hartvigsen) where he taught 16-21 year old students with intellectual disabilities starting a vocational training program in executive housekeeping. From there he taught grades 4 to 6 for 30 years at a number of elementary schools including Hillview, Liberty, Copperview, Majestic, Southland, and Elk Meadows. During this time, he received the Presidential Award for Math and Science. He was the State of Utah Elementary Math Specialist where he wrote guide curriculums and training manuals. After retiring from public education he taught at Stevens-Henager College as the GED Specialist and developed the online course materials, and concluded his career working for Western Governors University as a Math Mentor. Richard’s life can be characterized by the Christ-like love and kindness he showed to others. His life revolved around his family and his love for his Heavenly Father. He loved to attend the temple, spending several days a week at the Bountiful Temple. He was happiest when his family was gathered around him. He loved music and to play the piano and trumpet, play games and chess, watch kids in sporting events and performances, family vacations at Snowbird and Disneyland, celebrate and honor America, or to just talk. Richard was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His life was full of countless hours of service. He served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the California South Mission. He served in areas in Anaheim, Riverside, San Diego, Camp Pendleton Marine base in California, and Phoenix, Arizona. His services included Bishop, Bishopric Councilor, Elders Quorum President (twice), High Priest Group Leader, Stake Young Men’s President, Adult Aaronic Priesthood Secretary, Primary Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, and Organist. The service he loved the most was his 14 years as a scout master, 10 years as an Assistance Scout Master, and his 57 years involved with Scouting overall. During that time, he impacted the lives of hundreds of boys and was known among them as “Mr. B.” He was proud of his 70 Eagle Scouts that he helped as part of his 639 troop, and countless other Eagle Scouts he directly helped from other troops. He was honored with the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver, Scouter’s Key, Scoutmaster Award of Merit, and District Award of Merit, all in recognition of his years of service. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Leona Butler, brother Leroy “Buddy”, and sister Vivian. He is survived by his wife Lois, brother Ken, and sisters Francis and Mabel; children Richard (Jenny) Butler, Chris (Kim) Butler, Laura (Benjamin) Nielson, Benjamin (Mary) Butler, and John (Saria) Butler. He had 22 grandchildren. Viewing Thursday, January 21st from 6:00-8:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State Street, Murray. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 22, 2021 at the Millcreek Stake Center 4220 S 420 E, just off Jeannine Dr, in Millcreek, UT 84107. Viewing prior from 10:00 to 10:45 am. For those who wish to attend funeral services online, the link will be https://youtu.be/x6-eGA2POy8 and entitled Richard Butler Funeral.