Rev. Kevin John Butler, of Bloomfield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in his home under the care of hospice on November 14, 2021.
Kevin, 56, was born on November 29, 1964, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, to parents Danny and Beth Butler. He grew up in Guelph, Ontario, where he was active in church and youth group. In his childhood, Kevin found his love for God and the outdoors, attending Camp Hermosa many summers with his siblings and friends. He also spent time in nature working on a family farm where he shared in his family’s love of agriculture.
After his family moved to Wisconsin, Kevin attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry in 1986. Shortly thereafter, Kevin followed his calling to Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1989 and began his ministry. A beloved pastor, Kevin’s first call was in serving the First Baptist Church of Woodhull and the Woodhull United Methodist Church. Here, he touched many lives which would continue to be a pattern in future callings. During this time, he also started his family, eagerly jumping into the role of dad.
In 1999, Kevin’s path took him to what he would come to call “the best job he ever had,” and he began serving as Camp Director at American Baptist Camp Wightman in North Stonington, Connecticut. Using his gifts of ministry, music, and leadership, he shared his love of God and nature with those around him, impacting countless campers, staff, and volunteers during his tenure as director. Kevin was a man of many talents and passions; he went on to become a freelance website developer, math teacher, truck driver, interim minister, and most recently, Administrative leader for the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut.
While his Parkinson’s Disease and more recent cancer diagnosis may have slowed him down, the last years of his life were fulfilling ones – making regular visits to see his family in Canada and trips to visit his daughters’ colleges. He spent time reading, watching movies (The Lord of the Rings trilogy was a favorite), and listening to classic rock. Kevin’s wit and funny, vivacious spirit blessed those around him, particularly his immediate family, including his wife and two step-children whom he loved and supported fiercely.
Kevin is survived by his parents, Danny and Beth Butler (Guelph, ON), his wife, Antonia Butler Jimenez (Bloomfield, CT), his children, Heidi and Noelle Butler (Groton, CT), Kendry Suarez (Bloomfield, CT), and Fernanda Jimenez (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic). He also leaves behind siblings Ron Butler (London, ON), Karen Wismer (Guelph, ON), and Phil Butler (St. Thomas, ON) as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews in whom Kevin had great pride.
A memorial service will be held for Kevin on Saturday, December 4th, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of West Hartford, with a reception to follow. The service will be held in a hybrid fashion where guests are invited to attend in person or via an online stream. Unvaccinated guests are required to wear masks. Gifts in Kevin’s honor can be given to First Baptist Church of West Hartford.
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