Bob was born Dec. 16, 1931, in Biddeford, the son of George Butler and Martina Green Butler. He attended Biddeford elementary schools and Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire before graduating from Biddeford High School in 1949.
Following a year at the University of Maine, Orono, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as an HM2 medical corpsman from 1951-55. He married Joyce Kelley Butler in Westbrook on March 22, 1954.
Bob completed his B.A. in history at the University of Maine, Orono, in 1958, and earned his M.L.S. in library administration from Simmons College in Boston in 1959. In later years, he continued his education, studying French and German at the University of Southern Maine in Portland.
Bob was the longtime president, CEO and treasurer of Atkinson’s Furniture Co. in Saco from 1959-91, earning a reputation as a fair and honest businessman. He served as president of the Saco Businessman’s Association and as a corporator for Saco-Biddeford Savings Bank from 1962-82, and as director of Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
Bob believed in the importance of participating in the business community he served. He was treasurer of the Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library in Kennebunkport, chairman of the Kennebunk Planning Board, mentor for the Kennebunk Police Department’s Jump Start Program, and director for the Barn Gallery in Ogunquit.
Land stewardship and conservation became a cornerstone of his life outside of the furniture business, and he devoted countless hours to the preservation and protection of natural habitats and landscapes in southern Maine that will be enjoyed for years to come. He was Trustee of The Nature Conservancy, Maine Chapter, from 1976-87, and chairman of the board from 1985-86.
It was during that time that he and his sister, Dorothy J. Butler of Kennebunk, gifted 14 acres of woodland and riverfront property, including what is known as Picnic Rock, to The Nature Conservancy. In 1992, in partnership with the National Land Trust and the Kennebunk Land Trust, this parcel became the Butler Preserve, and is now maintained by the Kennebunk Land Trust.
He was instrumental in the preservation and protection of Kennebunk Plains, an ecologically important grassland and pine barrens that is home to a variety of endangered species and birds. He was executive director of the Kennebunk Land Trust from 1996-98, continuing a strong legacy of land stewardship. In retirement, he devoted several years to the Laudholm Trust, Wells Reserve, as a volunteer helping to maintain the integrity of that site.
Bob Butler, as he was affectionately known, was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He placed his commitment to his family as the highest achievement he could earn during his lifetime. He gave generously in time and spirit to his children and grandchildren, who he adored.
A Renaissance man, he had a passion for books, art, music, the wonders of nature, languages, foreign cultures and international travel that informed and shaped his relationships through his deep respect for people and their many stations in life. He cultivated lifelong bonds and close friendships with people in his local community as well as others from around the world. He and his wife, Joyce, traveled together extensively throughout Europe and the United States.
In retirement, he became an adjunct professor for Portland State University’s School of Business in Novgorod, Russia, bringing his extensive experience as a small business owner to bear in the startup of the Russian/ American Development Center, offering a consulting service to business owners in Novgorod in 1992. He also worked as an advisor for the Business Citizen’s Democracy Corps in Eastern Europe, primarily Bulgaria, between 1993 and 1998.
His beloved sister, Dorothy Jane Butler, preceded him in death on Aug. 26, 2014.
Bob is survived by: his devoted and loving wife of 62 years, Joyce of Kennebunk; daughter Leslie Butler Roberts and husband Sumner of Kennebunk; granddaughter Sarah Drake of Westbrook; grandson Adam Drake of Vail, Colorado; daughter Stephanie Butler and husband Stuart Cotts of Ashland, Oregon; step-grandson Sheldon Cotts and wife Kaila Lee of Chicago; son James K. Butler and wife Maureen of Biddeford; granddaughter Julia Butler of Boston; grandson Samuel Butler, 1st Lieutenant U.S. Army, Joint Base Lewis- McChord, Washington; and grandson John Butler of Canton, Massachusetts.
He brought us love and devotion, and will be sadly missed.
Visiting hours will be 2- 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. with Rev. Charles Whitson officiating.
At Bob’s request, his body has been donated to the University of New England for research purposes. A private service for immediate family and internment of his remains in the family lot at Evergreen Cemetery, Kennebunk, will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a contribution in Bob’s memory to: Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 180 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074, which provided excellent care and sensitivity; Laudholm Trust, Wells Reserve, P.O. Box 1007, Wells, ME 04090; Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, P.O. Box 391, Kennebunkport, ME 04046; or Animal Welfare Society, P.O. Box 43, West Kennebunk, ME 04094.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Bob’s Book of Memories Page at bibberfuneral.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.