UPDATED MAR 6: Bruce Butler Memorial Information
March 6, 2022
Originally published January 19, 2022.
Memorial information updated February 3 and 13, 2022. URL to memorial services added 3/6/2022
RSVP: Beverly Faber, beverlyfaber@compuserve.com or call/text 203-722-5565
Eileen Butler has extended an invitation to all to attend Bruce's in-person memorial service at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Philadelphia, on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 11:30am. RSVP is requested to assist in planning with the caterer. A reception will follow immediately after the service.
There will be a continuous loop of photos that will be shared at the reception. If you have any photos to share and want them to be included, please send them to Charles Rumford at: Memorial@tallwireless.com.
Bands and ringing schedule will be confirmed and posted in early March.
Those wishing to share condolences are encouraged to do so on Bruce's obituary at legacy.com (new tab).
Eileen Butler and the officers of the North American Guild very sadly announce the passing of Bruce Butler, NAGCR President, Tuesday evening, January 18, 2022, after a brief illness. Bruce leaves a remarkable legacy of love of change ringing and dedication to our North American Guild of Change Ringers. The death was totally unexpected until the last few days when liver and heart issues developed so rapidly that no curative treatment was possible.
The following obituary ran in the Philadelphia Inquirer:
Bruce Butler, 72, beloved husband and soulmate of Eileen for 37 years, passed away suddenly on January 18 after a brief illness. He was the brother-in-law of Gail and Fred Kaye, uncle to Alyson and Dave, Jillian and Matt and great-uncle to Grayson.
Bruce was much loved, admired, and well respected by everyone he came in contact with. He was an Assistant Principal at Girls' HS, active with the Fairmount Civic Association, and President of the North American Guild of Change Ringers (bellringing). As a change ringer, he had the unique achievement of ringing in thousands of church towers and leading ringing tours on four continents.
A longer obituary has been posted to legacy.com (new tab). Ringers and others are encouraged to share their memories and condolences there.
An informal virtual memorial took place on February 5, 2022 at 6pm eastern. This event was part of the NAGCR February Online GatheRing.
Ringers are encouraged to link performances in memory of Bruce to this Bellboard event: https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/memoria.php?id=14357
Ringers interested in ringing at Bruce's memorial service on March 19, 2022, please complete the form that can be found at this link: https://forms.gle/TPFwtdRHEhxr9PxU9
Donations given in Bruce's memory will benefit the tower bells at both Saint Mark's and St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Philadeplphia. Online donations can be made at https://onrealm.org/SaintMarksChurch/give/bells (new tab) Checks can be made payable to Saint Mark's Church with Bell Fund in the memo line, and mailed to Saint Mark's Church Attn: Mary Campbell, 1625 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Donations may also be made in his memory to the Alumni Association of the Philadelphia High School for Girls (new tab).