ROCKY VIEW – Rick Butler, Rocky View County’s deputy reeve and Division 1 councillor, passed away following a tragic accident this past week.
Butler was skiing at Nakiska Mountain Resort with his family on Boxing Day, when he collided with a tree. He was transported to Foothills Hospital in Calgary, but succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Born in Alberta, Rick worked as a senior manager for governments, municipalities, First Nations and the private sector. He was founding executive director for the Calgary Regional Partnership and served eight years in his role.
His public service career included Chief Administrative Officer for several municipalities and First Nations and as Assistant Deputy Minister, Lands and Municipal Affairs for the Government of the Yukon.
He was elected to Rocky View County Council in 2010 for Division 1. He was an active volunteer and in his spare time enjoyed his small hobby farm with his wife Gwynn and their daughters, Marni and Corrie. He also had an avid interest in international development.
“Councillor Butler threw himself into that role with the passion and enthusiasm he exhibited for everything in his life,” it says on his website. “Even the most hardened critic could not doubt that here was an honest and dedicated individual who truly cared about his constituents, who inevitably, became his friends.”
Since his passing, the Rick Butler Leadership Fund (RBLF) has been set up to honor his “passion and vision for community leadership and sustainability.”
The fund will recognize and/or support individuals or initiatives that demonstrate community-based grass roots involvement.
In support of Rick’s desire for accountability and transparency, information can be made available in the weeks and months ahead for donors that provide their contact details.
Donations can be made care of the Western Rocky View Communities Development Society, attention Rick Butler Leadership fund. A tax receipt will be issued for amounts over $20.00.
Donations can be mailed to the Western Rockyview Communities Development Society, Attn: Rick Butler Leadership Fund. The address is 253253 Bearspaw Road, Calgary, AB, T3L 2P7.
Any questions about the fund can be emailed to robbutler@xplornet.com.
For more information about Rick Butler and all of his dedication to Rocky View, visit rickbutler.ca or rockyview.ca.
