Harold Frederick Butler

Was born in San Francisco September 5, 1919 to Charles and Josephine Butler, and left his family and friends on June 8, 2011. All of his family and friends throughout the years knew Harold to be very active in serving the community through various organizations. He was known for his love of sports, hunting, fishing, and the outdoors which he passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. For fifty years he hunted at his favorite ranch, Womble Ranch in Colussa, as well as Showers Pass near Bridgeville. When he wasn't hunting, he spent time at his fishing cabin on the Klamath with his family, friends, and old classmates from San Rafael. Harold attended San Rafael High School where his favorite sports were track and basketball. He received numerous sports awards and his athletic ability opened the door to San Francisco State.

War broke out the year Harold had been drafted. He continued to serve in the Army Air Force for five more years. He was always proud of his country and flag.

Harold met Shirley Anderson before being drafted which led him back to Arcata after the war. Shirley and Harold were married on July 4th 1945. After they were married in Arcata, Harold returned to banking. Along with his love of the outdoors, he raised cattle, pheasants, and gardened on the family ranch. It was first settled in 1856 on the Arcata Bottoms by Shirley's great-grandparents Christian and Augusta Nelson.

His community service included being a volunteer with Arcata Fire Department, where he served as secretary for 25 years. He was instrumental in the building of the new fire station on 9th Street in Arcata. Other organizations he belonged to were the Six Rivers Masonic Lodge; Humboldt Swiss Club; Fortuna Scottish Rite; American Legion, Arcata Post; Arcata Community Players, and coaching the Arcata 20 - 3- Club's baseball team.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Josephine Butler of Marin County. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Butler; daughter Karen Elaine Sacchi (and her late husband Bill Sacchi) and their two children Kathryn Sacchi of Eureka and her son Jonathan Ownbey, and Tricia Bonzales and her husband Manuel of Houston Texas and their two children Andrew and Ann Marie; son Alan Butler and his wife Joan of Crescent City and their children Kevin of Arcata, Brian and Anna of Georgia, and Erik of Arcata.

The family wishes to thank Dr. L.A. Senffner and staff; Dr. A. Mathews and the Fresenius Dialysis Unit for all of their kindness and support, along with the many family friends. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any contributions be made to Hospice of Humboldt or their favorite charity.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 13th at Paul's Chapel, 1070 H Street, Arcata between the hours of 4 to 8 pm. Private graveside services will be held on Tuesday June 14th.