Barry Butcher

Barry M. Butcher, PhD, passed away on March 13, 2021, at the age of 87. Born in Utica, NY on September 18, 1933, he grew up in New York City. After attending The Phillips Exeter Academy, he went on to complete a Bachelor of Engineering degree at Yale University. On August 23, 1958, Barry married Anne Bueker Butcher. They moved to Ithaca, NY and he was one of the first to receive a PhD in Materials Science from Cornell University.

He moved his family to Albuquerque in 1962 and worked for Sandia National Labs for 33 years where he was recognized as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff for his exemplary service and finished his career working on the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Taking care of his family was his first priority and he was always there for everyone in his life to offer words of encouragement, sound advice and a helping hand whenever and wherever he could. He enjoyed all kinds of music, and his 20-hour 24-minute iTunes playlist was playing next to him during his final days. He also enjoyed traveling around the Southwest, reading, geology, genealogy, and woodworking.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Anne; his sons James (Crystal) and William (Craig Thomsen); his grandchildren Stasia McCarthy (Jimmy), Cameron and Nathan; his sister Elizabeth Spraker and her family; his brother Robert Butcher and his family; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Susan (Henry Noestheden); his parents, Dr. Earl O. and Helen M. Butcher; and his grandson Jeremy Butcher.