Obituary of Phillip Jessee Butterworth
Phillip Butterworth 1941-4-6 - 2024-10-8
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our father and friend, Phillip Butterworth. Phil passed away on October 8, 2024 at the age of 83.
Phil is predeceased by his loving wife of 36 years, Mary Sue (2002) and his parents, Sam (1994) and Mabel Butterworth (1995) of Wise, Virginia. Phil is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Gina), son, Mark (Jenna), special granddaughter, Amelia, and friend, Margaret. He will be missed by family and friends in both Canada and the United States.
Phil was born in 1941 in Detroit, Michigan. After the birth of their daughter in 1972, Phil, Mary Sue, and Sarah immigrated to Canada. In 1975, Phil and Mary Sue welcomed their son, Mark, and raised their family in St Thomas and London, ON.
Phil's life was one of service as he worked as a social worker at both the St. Thomas and London Psychiatric Hospitals. He specialized in addictions and adolescent mental health. At the end of his career, he worked as a patient advocate and assisted patients with making their own health decisions.
Phil was known for his love of music and his sense of humour. He always had a joke at the ready and he genuinely enjoyed laughing with people. Phil read books on a wide range of topics. He was a gifted pianist and organist who shared his talent both at home and in the community. He enjoyed a good road trip and other travel where he could practice his love of photography. Phil never forgot his hometown sports teams as he was always rooting for--against all hope most of the time--the Detroit Tigers, Redwings or Lions. Phil also enjoyed the company and companionship of dogs. In recent years, he volunteered at the London Food Bank. It was important to Phil to support charitable organizations such as Amnesty International, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
The family wishes to thank Margaret Storonzinski for her committed friendship and the supportive care she provided to Phil over the past several years. Heartfelt appreciation is also extended to the dedicated staff at McCormick Home in London, ON. To Phil's closest friends in Canada and the United States, the family extends gratitude for your longstanding friendship.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on November 5, 2024 between 2pm and 4pm at Donahue Funeral Home located at 362 Waterloo St in London, ON. Donations to the London Food Bank or McCormick Home would be deeply appreciated.
