Robert I. Butler

Robert I. (Bob) Butler, died March 2, 2016 at the age of 90 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Bob will be remembered by his family and those who knew him as a brilliant man, an outstanding engineer, an enthusiastic world traveler, a uniquely eccentric personality, and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He served his country admirably in three wars: in World War II and particularly the Korean War, as a US Naval officer; and in the Cold War, at Sandia Labs, where he developed vital weapons testing facilities and methodologies still in use today. He married the love of his life, Betty, and was married to her for 62 years. He suffered the loss of one daughter, Rebecca, in her childhood; and raised three other children. As with many men of his era, his expressions of love were seldom spoken (at least until late in his life), but were obvious in his providing for the care and nurture of his children and his pride in their accomplishments. We love Bob very much, and we will miss his enormous intellect, his love of history and family genealogy, his impish sense of humor, and his boyish grin. It is our greatest wish that he is now reunited with Betty, in the presence and glory of God.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Betty and his daughter Rebecca. He is survived by his son Randy Butler, his daughters Lori Walters (Mark) and Keri Sobolik (Steve), five grandchildren Brad, Danny, Christy, Megan, & Rob, and special friend Irene Myers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.