John Earl Butterfield

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of my dad, John Earl Butterfield. Despite a stroke in April, his lifelong stubborn streak was still intact, and he stayed with us for another six months.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, November 8, 2024 at the First Methodist Church of Canyon with Rev. Charlie Keys officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the parlor at First Methodist Church.

John was born in Toronto, Ontario. Because he was born out of wedlock, he was given up for adoption. His birth mother had an epileptic seizure, and so the government decided that he was not adoptable in case he showed symptoms of epilepsy, although he never did.

Growing up, John lived in several foster homes in Ontario, the most memorable being the Davidsons, the Webers, and the Driedigers.

He attended Bible College and met the love of his life, Betty, in Saskatchewan. He was the only male in the ward, much to his delight. That was not necessarily the case for Betty's twin Tina, especially when John's hand accidentally found the wrong knee.

John and Betty married in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. They worked as nurses, and later moved to London, Ontario, where they were parents to a Group Home for foster children. Their beloved daughter Lana was born in 1973.

However, a love of playing ice hockey led John to develop arthritis at the ripe old age of 33, causing John and Betty to rethink their location. John and Betty made the decision to leave the long Canadian winters behind, trading them for the sunny skies of El Paso, Texas.

John and Betty spent over 15 years in El Paso, where they were active members of St. Mark's United Methodist Church. However, after landing in El Paso, John discovered Texas did not recognize his Canadian Psychiatric Nursing license. He decided not to re-attend school, and in typical strong-willed John fashion, forged his way into other careers such as a Factory Night Manager, Insurance Salesman, and a long-haul Truck Driver.

As a lifelong sports fan, John supported the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He loved NASCAR and classic cars, a 1964 Chevy Impala convertible was his pride and joy. He even let Lana take him to a home Yankees game once, despite his aversion to New Yorkers.

John also loved playing and watching golf, and he was thrilled to gain a Scottish son-in-law, which he felt was the perfect excuse (ahem, reason) to play several courses in Scotland and visit the famous Old Course at St. Andrews, known as the home of golf.

In addition to sports, John also loved to eat. Although he preferred the "meat and potatoes" diet, he still enjoyed going out for dinner, mostly so he could talk with friends, families, and even strangers.

While Lana was in college, John and Betty moved to Las Vegas where they lived for 13 years. There he realized his two loves of talking and driving could be perfectly combined into yet another career as a Las Vegas taxi driver.

John and Betty eventually moved back to Texas, this time to Canyon, TX in 2009. John and Betty were active members of First United Methodist church and the Pathfinders Sunday School Class. John and Betty also delivered Meals on Wheels for many years.

John was also a member of Canyon City Lodge #730 and a Master Mason for 42 years.

They enjoyed retirement in Canyon, living near lifelong friends Polly and Lyndon Johnson, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, and traveling to see Lana, Ross, and their adored granddaughter, Cameron in New York and Scotland.

Unfortunately, in 2011, John suffered the loss of a leg due to poor circulation. Figuring out how to get around at age 70 is no small feat, but John managed with his usual strong will and determination.

John is survived by his wife Betty in Canyon; and by his daughter Lana, son-in-law Ross, and perfect grandchild Cameron, all in New York. He is also survived by multiple members of the Butterfield and Kelly families, whom he was grateful to find later in life.

He is preceded in death by multiple members of his beloved foster families the Davidsons, the Webers, and the Driedigers, all in Ontario.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at BSA Hospice of the Southwest for their loving care. They are also thankful for his aides, Kalyn Marticiuc and Janie McPherson. And above all, close family friends, The Johnson Family, for their years of friendship and support (Polly & Lyndon, Tim & Grace, Amber & Aaron, Lauren & Brandon, and all the grandkids).

John will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a faithful man who loved family, his native and adopted countries, friends, margaritas, and a good laugh. And occasionally, he loved being a stubborn, talkative old coot. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Amarillo Meals on Wheels, where John actively delivered meals for many years. Address: 7550 Outlook Dr, Amarillo, Texas 79106 or https://amarillomealsonwheels.org/donate/

Or memorials can be made to the Sharing Fund at First Methodist Church, 1818 4th Avenue, Canyon, Texas 79015.