Rodney Butler
1935 - 2021

Rodney Butler passed away at the St. Joseph's Special Care Home in Estevan, Sask. on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at the age of 85.

Rodney's memory will be forever cherished by his loving family: wife of 52 years, Delores Butler (née Bonokoski); daughters: Melanie (Mark) Tribiger and Janelle (Trevor) Luddington; granddaughter Isla Tribiger; grandson Burton Luddington, baby Luddington, arriving in June of 2021 and honourary son Brent (Raelene) Fieber. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Cec Parks, Anton (Loretta) Bonokoski, Jerome (Bev) Bonokoski, Neil Bonokoski, Duane (Dunia) Bonokoski, Anna Marie (Ken) Baker, Audrey (Richard) Garrioch, Jeanette (Robert) Badley, Barb (Randy) Clauson, Bernice (Kevin) Bloor, Norma (Dave) Romanoski, Della (Rod) Kupper, Laura Erick and Angie Muir, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Lana Diane Butler; parents: Lillian (Dixon) and Horace Butler; brother Roy (Stella) Butler; sisters: Phyllis (Lawrence) Bloor and Audrey Parks; parents-in-law: Mary and Isidor Bonokoski; brothers-in-law: Ron Bonokoski, Daniel Bonokoski and Allan Tenold; sister-in-law Susan Bonokoski.

Rodney was born on October 7, 1935 in Oungre, Sask. He was in charge of the chicken coop at age five, attended school in the Oungre area until grade eight when he left school to work on the family farm. He moved to Estevan in 1962 and began work at the Co-op and became involved with the Frontiersmen. Rodney married Delores Bonokoski in 1968. They moved to Frontier, Sask. in 1969 where Rodney managed the Co-op. In 1972, Rodney and Delores made the move to Torquay, Sask. where they became the owners/operators of Bonnie's Cafe, employing a number of Delores' siblings. Rodney took an interest in fish and began raising them while in Torquay. In fact, Rodney had a lifelong love of animals, and had numerous pets over the years. The next move was back to Estevan in 1976 to open DelRod's Fin & Feather. It was here that Rodney met Brent Fieber, who became like a son to him. In 1980, Rodney began employment at the Derrick Motor Hotel. Rodney and Delores moved to Hitchcock, Sask. Melanie was born in 1983 and Rodney started a new chapter as a stay-at-home dad from 1983 to 1987. The year 1987 also brought the birth of Janelle, a move back to Estevan and new employment with Sereggela Inns. A new opportunity took Rodney to a job at the Beefeater Inn in 1995.

Due to a stroke in 2013, he was forced to retire - much to his chagrin, as he planned on working until age 80, and he was only 78 at the time. However, he soon discovered that retirement wasn't such a bad thing. His granddaughter Isla was born in 2012, and retirement gave him the special opportunity to become Isla's full-time babysitter, with assistance from Delores, which gave him such joy and a sense of purpose. He formed a special bond with Isla, who affectionately referred to him as "buddy" rather than grandpa, because "he's not just my grandpa, he's my best friend!" Rodney suffered a second stroke in 2015, which eventually necessitated his move to the St. Joseph's Special Care Home in 2017. Despite his setbacks and limitations, including a heart attack in 2018, that year also held some joyous events for Rodney as well, including the birth of his grandson Burton and he and Delores' 50th wedding anniversary. Burton has been a miniature Rodney right from birth. His features and mannerisms remind us of him every day.

Despite being bedridden and unable to leave the care home for long periods of time, Rodney remained an active member of our family, with family holiday gatherings taking place at the care home. He also managed to attend Isla's dance recital and a lacrosse game.

Prior to the Covid-19 lock down, he was in good stable health. The isolation he felt because of Covid-19 restrictions eventually led to his cognitive decline, which in turn led to the decline of his physical health. After one year of limited family interactions, we are mourning his death.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn, Sask. with Marian Huber officiating.

For family and friends so wishing, donations in Rodney's memory may be made directly to the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation (designate to Long Term Care), 1176 Nicholson Road, Estevan, Sask., S4A 0H3.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to the Butler family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.