In memory of
Paul David Frederick Butler
May 10, 1947 - June 9, 2026
Paul David Frederick Butler passed peacefully at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre on 09 June 2026 at the age of 79. Listening to classical piano music, The Pianoman exited stage left having finished his final show.
Paul is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janis (Nee: Johnson) and his three children Malcolm, Kimberly and Laura (Blair). Called Grandad affectionately by his grandchildren, Mackenzie, Sabrina, Ryan, Emma-Grace, Hayden and Luke. Paul was son to Malcolm and Betty Butler (Deceased) and brother to Barry.
Having lived his life to the fullest, Paul was born in England and having emigrated to Canada with his parents and brother, he grew up in Aurora. Enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1964 as a Bandsman, he participated in the Royal Canadian Navy’s 1967 Centennial Tattoo. Following his discharge in late 1967, he returned to Toronto and shortly afterwards met the love of his life, Janis. Buying their one and only home, Paul and Janis raised their children in Ajax, Ontario.
While he initially worked as a Law Clerk, he later worked as a Recreational Director at York Manor. While there, he took great pride in enriching the lives of the residents with both music and the delivery of sermons as a Lay-Preacher. Paul pursued his real passion – music, throughout his entire life starting at the young age of six. Always involved in various musical performances and activities throughout the week with the Paul Butler Band, he was eventually able to go into music full-time as both musician and piano tuner while also teaching many students how to “tickle the ivories” of a piano. In doing so, up until 4 weeks before his passing, Paul was performing on the piano and sharing his love of music with so many people while still teaching and inspiring new pianists.
A man who believed in the Power of Positive Thinking, Paul inspired his family to overcome obstacles and to meet all challenges squarely. This mantra was demonstrated on a daily basis as Paul refused to let MS dictate his life or stop him from performing on the piano and bringing joy to so many people. His love of music was shared with family and friends from far and wide and has ensured that not only his family but, so many different people from so many different walks of life, now listen to so many different types of music.
Paul was an incredible man who loved his family unconditionally and supported his family’s endeavours even as their decisions took them around the globe. Paul to his friends and family and Dad; not father, to his children, will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as an exceptional person who lived, loved and laughed throughout life.
Paul is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janis (Nee: Johnson) and his three children Malcolm, Kimberly and Laura (Blair). Called Grandad affectionately by his grandchildren, Mackenzie, Sabrina, Ryan, Emma-Grace, Hayden and Luke. Paul was son to Malcolm and Betty Butler (Deceased) and brother to Barry.
Having lived his life to the fullest, Paul was born in England and having emigrated to Canada with his parents and brother, he grew up in Aurora. Enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1964 as a Bandsman, he participated in the Royal Canadian Navy’s 1967 Centennial Tattoo. Following his discharge in late 1967, he returned to Toronto and shortly afterwards met the love of his life, Janis. Buying their one and only home, Paul and Janis raised their children in Ajax, Ontario.
While he initially worked as a Law Clerk, he later worked as a Recreational Director at York Manor. While there, he took great pride in enriching the lives of the residents with both music and the delivery of sermons as a Lay-Preacher. Paul pursued his real passion – music, throughout his entire life starting at the young age of six. Always involved in various musical performances and activities throughout the week with the Paul Butler Band, he was eventually able to go into music full-time as both musician and piano tuner while also teaching many students how to “tickle the ivories” of a piano. In doing so, up until 4 weeks before his passing, Paul was performing on the piano and sharing his love of music with so many people while still teaching and inspiring new pianists.
A man who believed in the Power of Positive Thinking, Paul inspired his family to overcome obstacles and to meet all challenges squarely. This mantra was demonstrated on a daily basis as Paul refused to let MS dictate his life or stop him from performing on the piano and bringing joy to so many people. His love of music was shared with family and friends from far and wide and has ensured that not only his family but, so many different people from so many different walks of life, now listen to so many different types of music.
Paul was an incredible man who loved his family unconditionally and supported his family’s endeavours even as their decisions took them around the globe. Paul to his friends and family and Dad; not father, to his children, will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as an exceptional person who lived, loved and laughed throughout life.