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 Rick Butler (second from left) died after hitting a tree while skiing at Nakiska Mountain Resort 60 minutes west of Calgary. FAMILY HANDOUT |
CALGARY -- Corrie Butler's dad taught her a lot of things, but the one that stands out is live life to the fullest -- advice she appreciates now more than ever after the municipal politician died after a Boxing Day ski accident.
"His biggest thing was living every day like it was his last," she said of her father, Rick Butler, who was serving as the deputy reeve of Rocky View County.
Rick died of chest injuries after hitting a tree while skiing with his daughters, Corrie, 22, and Marni, 20, at Nakiska Mountain Resort 85 km west of Calgary on Monday.
The councillor, deputy reeve and former executive director of the Calgary Regional Partnership is being remembered for his professional accomplishments, but even more so for his enthusiasm, optimism and love for his family, including his wife of 33 years, Gwyn Butler.
"No matter how busy he was, he always supported the people he loved and made them feel special," Corrie said.
"My dad was known to be a cheerleader, not only in the family, but in the community.
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"He was known for saying 'Hallelujah!' -- even if he was getting a tooth pulled."
Rick, 58, loved travelling, skiing and spending time in the mountains, she said, and it's been comforting for the family to know he spent some of his final moments with his daughters in one of his favourite spots.
"It's what's given us a little peace -- knowing he was so happy when he died," said Corrie, who also fondly recalled her dad's laugh -- memorable to most people who met him.
"We called it the Santa Claus laugh, it was a deep bellowing laugh."
Butler was serving as a councillor and deputy reeve of Rocky View County when he died, and was a longtime public administrator who spent several years working as an assistant deputy minister in the Yukon before serving as chief administrative officer for the cities of Revelstoke, B.C., and Iqaluit and the Chiniki and Stoney First Nations.
He was the founding executive director of the Calgary Regional Partnership, with which he served until 2010 when he was elected to Rocky View council.
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi was among those who publicly expressed sadness at Rick's death.
"Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Rick Butler, a great community builder. Thoughts with his family," Nenshi wrote on Twitter Tuesday.
Cochrane Mayor Truper McBride worked with Rick in different capacities for more than a decade and called his death "a huge loss."
"He was a mentor, a friend ... he was one of the good guys," said McBride.
"If he was in the room, it was a better room to work in."
A funeral is tentatively planned for 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2012 at RockPointe Church, at 255024 Lochend Road N.W.
The family is also setting up a memorial endowment fund in his name.