Paul Butterfield

Paul Gordon Butterfield

November 3, 1928 ~ March 19, 2015

Paul Gordon Butterfield (86) was born in Murray, Utah on November 3, 1928 to Mahonri Trussler and Hazel Bills  Butterfield, the 7th of 8 children. His mother passed away when he was 9. His father married Nellie Root Berrett who brought 2 girls and 2 boys into that marriage. He lived in Riverton, Utah until he left for college at Utah State University.  He used his farming background as the basis for his teaching career in Akron and Greeley, Colorado high schools and the Young Farmers at Weber College for many years before changing his focus to Adult Education when he earned his PHD at the University of Wisconsin. He came back to, then, Weber State College where he was director of evening and summer school and then as the first Dean of Continuing Education. He also served as Assistant Dean in the School of Technology and Director of Vocational and Applied Technology. He was instrumental in organizing the predecessor to the Ogden Weber Technology School. He worked with the community to make opportunities for people to receive further education to upgrade their skill base. From downtown Ogden to Hill Air Force Base and beyond, his influence was felt. He also worked with Colorado State University on several projects before retiring.

From 1955-1957 he served his country in the US Air Force at Larson Air Force Base in Ephrata, Washington as an adjutant and training officer for the 322 Fighter Interceptor Squadron.

Paul’s early training in farming never left him. He loved raising horses and cattle and owned many hunting dogs because he also loved hunting and fishing when he could fit it into his schedule. He provided his children with many experiences as they worked and played alongside him in all these endeavors. He always raised a garden wherever he lived. He also had a great gift of playing the drums and played in dance bands to earn money for college and to supplement his income for many years.  His children and grandchildren enjoyed many of his family concerts.  They also were the beneficiaries of many gifts he created from his talent and love of woodworking. The months before Christmas found him feverishly working to complete projects for his 39 grandchildren over the years.

Paul was married to two wonderful helpmeets who supported him in all he undertook. He met Carol Abbott at Utah State University. They were married Dec. 16, 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple. She gave him 6 children and supported him through all his schooling and career upgrades. After their divorce he married Beth Macfarlane Orgill on April 10, 1976. She supported him through career changes, an english teaching assignment in Shen Yung China and their mission to Zimbabwe and Budapest, Hungary for the LDS Church.  She brought 4 daughters to his family. They enjoyed traveling and a winter retreat in the Phoenix area. She died on March 29, 2014.

Paul was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in many capacities. Some of these included District President, Bishop, teacher of many ages, and scout leader.

Paul was a long time member of the Lions Club and served on the Pleasant View City Council. He served on many boards for both his employment and civic duties.

He is survived by his former wife, Carol, his children, Paula (Les) Maddock of Ogden, Gregory (Robin) Butterfield of Eagle, Idaho, Sue (Paul) Cook of Kent, Washington, Lynn (Sue) Butterfield of Erda, Utah, David (Martha) Butterfield of Bhahran, Saudi Arabia, Tammy (Roy) Ellis of Holly Springs Georgia, Kay Orgill of Leeds, Utah, Janae (Curtis) Sutton of Layton, Utah, Diane Ward, and Nanette (Reggie) Trailor all of Las Vegas, Nevada, 39 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, sisters, Edra (Jack) West of South Jordan, Utah and Maxine Bradshaw of Ogden, Utah, brothers, Neil (Dorothy) Butterfield of Logan, Utah, Paul and Bernell Berrett of Orem and Salt Lake City.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beth, 1 grandson, 2 great granddaughters, a son-in-law, Cody Ward, 4 sisters, Ellen (Jimmy) Walker, Essie (Orrin) Christensen, Verda (Roy) Lester, and Leone (Jerry) Lloyd, 1 brother, Truss Butterfield, and a step sister, Joyce (Dick) Thorup, and brother in law, Ernest Bradshaw, and sister in law, Lillian Berrett.

The family wishes to thank Legacy Village in Layton and Legacy House of Ogden Cottage for their service and loving care. They truly were a blessing to Paul.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 26 at the Lorin Farr Stake Center 480 7th Street in Ogden at 11:00 am. A viewing will be held at Lindquist Mortuary 3408 Washington Blvd. Wednesday from 6 - 8 pm and again on Thursday morning before the funeral from 9:30 - 10:30 at 480 7th Street.