Curtiss S. Butler '65

PHILMONT—Curtiss Sprague Butler, age 68, passed away at his home in Philmont, Wednesday, October 14, 2015, after a long battle with heart disease.

Born in Coronado, CA, April 8, 1947, Mr. Butler and his brother, Neil, now deceased, came east as children.

After graduating from Florida State University in 1970, Mr. Butler lived and worked all over the eastern seaboard before settling in Columbia County in 1999. He came to love the rural lifestyle, spending his free time hiking, building stone walls, and chopping wood for the long Upstate winters.

A writer and visionary, Mr. Butler retired last year from a career on the leading edge of digital communications. His passion was writing poetry. He recited his work, led poetry workshops, and was in the process of publishing his second collection at the time of his death.

He enjoyed attending stockcar races with his son, Julian and fencing events with his sons, Sean and Chris. Widely-traveled, he leaves behind a wealth of memories and colorful stories. His warmth, wit and incisive intellect will be missed by many and remembered always.

Mr. Butler is survived by: his step-parents, John and Alda Butler of Melbourne Beach, FL; his wife, Lee Armstrong of Hillsdale; his sons, Sean Sprague Butler of Maitland, FL, and Julian Roland Butler of Hillsdale.

He was predeceased by his son, Christopher McLean Butler.

Mr. Butler is also survived by his only grandchild, Elaine Christina Butler, who resides in Maitland, FL, with her parents, Sean and Amy Butler. Mr. Butler’s first wife, Laura Butler of Melbourne Beach, FL, was a sustaining support to him in his final months.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 18 at St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church in Spencertown. A viewing at the church begins at 3 p.m. followed by the service at 3:30 p.m. The family will host a repast at their home in Hillsdale following the church service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

From The Daily Mail, Catskill, NY) on Friday, October 16, 2015