Dr. John Allan Butt passed away peacefully at Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington, Ont., on Aug. 16, 2023, exactly three weeks shy of his 98th birthday.
Predeceased by his daughter Marilyn, wife Jane (nee Chizum) and former wife Janet (nee Reive). Loving father of Nancy Fram (Ron Kemp) and John (Sandra) Butt. Cherished grandfather of Spencer Fram and Ron's children, Taylor and Jesse Kemp. He is survived by: his stepchildren John “Renn” Rhodes (Marty Roberts), Ann Rhodes McMeans, Gaylord Rhodes; step-grandchildren, Will (Maureen), John (Jessie) and Megan (Brock); and six step-great-grandchildren.
Dr. Butt graduated from the University of Toronto medical school in 1948. He then completed residencies in obstetrics and gynecology in Cleveland and Toronto. In 1956, he established a successful practice in Peterborough, Ont., where he was one of the first surgeons in the province to perform laparoscopic surgery, an accomplishment of which he and his family have always been so proud. He enjoyed many summers with his family at Chemong Lake cottage, where they eventually built a permanent home.
In 1977, he moved his medical practice to Alice, Texas, where he practised until his retirement in 1985. After his retirement, he completed a number of locums in upper New York State, Maine and Vancouver, and he and Jane moved to Rockport, Texas where they enjoyed living for many years while travelling the world.
Dr. Butt was an avid hunter of duck, geese, pheasant, quail and dove. He enjoyed a yearly hunting trip to Saskatchewan every October for more than 50 years with his good friend Larry. While living in Ontario, Dr. Butt could be found during the winters on the curling rink and enjoyed travelling the province competing in bonspiels. He continued to “skip” many curling games from the comfort of his home while watching curling on TV.
Dr. Butt was a man of integrity, honesty and ethics and was a respected physician and family man. He instilled the same values in his family. His was indeed a “life well lived” and he will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
The family would like to thank the staff at LaSalle Park Retirement Community for their care and support for Dr. Butt during the past year and the staff at Joseph Brant Hospital for providing him with exemplary care during the past eight weeks.
Cremation has taken place. Private family interment will take place at Bridgenorth Cemetery, overlooking the lake he so loved.
Contributions in his name may be made to the following: