Tributes for the late Maurice John Butler Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley - popup ad Nambucca Valley News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 29, 2024 The display at Mr Butler’s funeral service highlighted memorabilia from his sporting days as well as written tributes from dignitaries on his 100th birthday. FRIDAY 8 November marked the passing of centenarian Maurice John Butler, recently a resident of Autumn Lodge in Macksville. A service was held on Thursday 21 November at the Bernard Laverty Funeral Chapel, with family and friends gathering afterwards for light refreshments at the Macksville Ex-Services Club. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au As previously reported by NOTA, Wednesday 3 July 2024 marked the 100th birthday of Mr Butler, who had been a long-time resident of Stuarts Point, along with his wife Rosetta, fondly known as Rosie. “We delayed the funeral service so that John’s granddaughter, Lucy Butler, could fly home from London, where she works as a nurse,” Rosie said. John’s nephew David Gerry recounted anecdotes on his youth growing up with John. “He was more like a big brother to me than an uncle,” David said. The centenarian was born in Whitley Bay, England and grew up in Walsall. At age 15 John enlisted as an Air Raid Warden, entering the Gravesend Sea School a year later. He trained as a Merchant Seaman, and during World War Two was posted to ships crossing the Atlantic and survived targeting by German U-Boats. He went on to train in the Royal Navy as a Gunner, which saw him visit every continent of the world. John’s many adventures brought him to Australia, and aged 21 as the war ended, he joined the Fire Brigade, and later the ‘Fire and Accident Underwriters Association’, where he became Chief Fire Surveyor. With many sporting interests, John played soccer for Manly and Dee Why clubs until age 52, and also enjoyed caravaning holidays with his family. Eventually settling in Macksville, John built a retirement house at Stuarts Point. “John has had a happy retirement,” Rosie said. “He used to play golf and bowls, coached soccer, and as a member of the RSL marched proudly every ANZAC Day.” Wayne Mason from the Stuarts Point RSL spoke fondly of John as the oldest member of the local sub-Branch. By Jen HETHERINGTON Rosie Butler and David Gerry. Helen Butler and daughter Lucy, who flew home from London for her grandfather’s funeral. Vale Maurice John Butler.
