Eddie (Ed) Alma Butterfield--born June 1, 1935, in Murray, Utah to Edward and Mary Butterfield--died on November 12, 2022. His death relieved a long struggle with vascular dementia. We lost and grieved him over years, but his core defining virtues never dimmed.
Providing for family was foundational to Ed; that was his resolutely decided purpose in life. He was a man who could and would solve any problem for those he loved. You always felt safe with Ed in your corner. Even when he couldn’t stand, he would insist to know how he could help his family.
In life, Ed was brilliant, ambitious, determined. He came from very little and made a fortune in Butterfield Lumber, a company that raised up and supported scores of employees and family members. His disease took many memories from him, but it could not touch the fact that he never lost a single fistfight as a teenager in Murray, Utah (a fact that his gracious caregivers at Sunrise of Sandy know by heart).
Ed is survived by his loving spouse, Bobbie. Their marriage of 54 years was an inspiration to all who knew them. Their love’s tender strength mended together a large and mixed family, and it only grew over their years. Together, they flew across the world and walked their neighborhood. They advocated loudly in the political arena for gay rights, and sat quietly together on their back patio, hand-in-hand enjoying the babbling of Little Cottonwood Creek. They persevered through painful hardships, and slow danced together in joy wherever they found a chance.
Ed is also survived by his siblings Jerry and Susan; his eight children Alison (Rob), Debbie (Duff), Julie (Spencer), Lori (Eddie), Steve (Vickie), Todd, Tony (Paul), & Tracy. Ed had 32 grandchildren, and well over 60 great grandchildren. Ed is preceded in death by his parents Ed and Mary; and siblings Joyce, Mike, and Ron.
A celebration of Ed’s life will occur November 27, 2022 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Willowcreek Country Club, 8505 Willow Creek Drive, Sandy.
In lieu of flowers, celebrants of Ed’s life are encouraged to give to those they love in need of help.
Sherry and I send our condolences to Bobbie and the entire family. Ed was a wonderful friend and a fun, fierce competitor who hated to lose at golf or any other competition - even pitching quarters. Most importantly, he loved Bobbie and his entire family so much and always spoke of them with love and pride. He will be greatly missed.