Frank Willis Butler Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpectedly severe complications from a recent illness. President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, Frank was a sailing icon and industry “kingspoke” who introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime.

Born in California in 1928, Frank attended Glendale High School, after which he served in the US Navy. He met his wife and the love of his life, Jean, at a “social” at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and married in 1949, they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary. Together, Frank and Jean had seven children who all loved him dearly.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations. Those fortunate enough to know Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind the legacy of his beautiful family, a company that only he could have built, and his adventurous spirit, which will forever be cherished by all who knew him.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.