Jay, 

I am truly saddened to hear of your sudden passing.

Although we haven't seen each other or spoken in over 20 years, I  wanted to say that you had a huge impact on my life, my career and especially my teenage years.

When we first met back in Grade 10/11 we literally did everything together.  Walking to and from school, hanging out in the computer labs, rocking out in numerous bands, the list goes on and on...

Some of my fondest memories would have to be all the gigs we played together downtown.  Being Pickering boys, it was never easy to get down there with all of our equipment.  I'll never forget how we used to beg our parents to drop us off at the nearest subway station and lug all of our drums, guitars and amps onto the subway and downtown to play a 40 minute gig!  All for the love of music!!!

You taught me a lot Jay.  But you were especially gifted when it came to computers and academics.  I still remember you helping me with my math homework (all the while laughing at me because it was soooo easy for you)!  Your passion for computers and multimedia is what made me choose a career in Graphic Design and Marketing.  I can't thank you enough for being such a good friend, teaching me all the software and introducing me to Mr. Purcell's Multimedia Lab at Dunbarton High School.

Jay, I hope you are in a better place now.  Rest assured that we will one day rock out again! 

Rest in Peace.

I was saddened to hear about Jay passing away. I helped Jay with a problem he had a few years ago and when I last spoke to him he said he was doing well.  My thoughts are with his family and other friends and I will remember Jay as described - kind, loving and caring.

Jay, my beautiful friend,

I cannot believe you are gone.  I spent all day yesterday going back to read your brother’s post, hoping that what I’d read was wrong — it wasn’t.  

You were my family when I lived in Toronto and a highlight of the year that changed my life forever.  

You made work and life fun, you made me laugh and were there for me when I cried.  You bailed me out when I’d lost my keys and frequently let me crash at your place when I couldn’t make my way home.  You treated me to the world’s best EVER sandwich and played blues riff after blues riff for me late into the night, despite probably being entirely over it!  Nights that became mornings at the Firkin and late night cruises around your childhood stomping ground hold the fondest of memories for me and they, along with a million others, will live forever in my heart.  

17 years of friendship, mate, and I’m so glad that we got to hang out when I visited Toronto again in 2011.  These photos show that 10,000 miles and a whole bunch of years never let our friendship fade.  Our messages and chats were always as if time and distance meant nothing and recently, I feel blessed that we were able to travel on a very special journey together, albeit from a distance.  You said I inspired you but it was you who kept me going at times when things weren’t so great.  For that I will be forever grateful.  

Through tears I write this Jay, for your passing leaves me with a great sadness and without you here, the world will be a little less bright.  I know you were saving your points to visit but now we will have to wait until one day when we meet again and can sit and laugh at all the crazy things.  

My deepest sympathy goes out to your family and friends on your side of the globe as I know you were adored and will continue to be adored in all of our hearts.  

With all my love, always and forever,

Kate

OBITUARY

Jason Craig Butler

2 October, 1979 – 24 July, 2020

Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home

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