To the sound of Irish Bagpipes, surrounded by family, David Neil Butler, of Starksboro passed away on December 15, 2023, at the age of 68 at the McClure Miller Respite House after a six-year battle with cancer.
Born in Middlebury, Vermont, David attended Mount Abraham Union High School where he met many lifelong friends and the future mother of his children, Mary Warner. The second eldest of five farm boys, he was destined to be different from the pack. The rebel of the family, he lived his life with no boundaries and certainly pushed the limits his parents were willing to endure.
David was born with the gift of gab, although he received an extra dose of it after kissing the famous Blarney Stone in Ireland. He loved to educate others. Whether that be on politics, history, hunting and fishing, or simply words of wisdom; David adored meeting new people. He left a mark on anyone willing to lend an ear and listen to his brilliant mind.
He was notorious for enjoying the little things in life; a snow-covered road he could blow donuts on, a good book, a home-cooked meal, a ride in his truck to listen to some tunes. He was fond of dirt track racing, making snow castles at the East Warren Grocery for his daughter, hitting the slopes and golfing with his son, motorcycles and so much more. A self-proclaimed Jack of all trades, master of none, David lived by the famous Red Green quote, “If the women don’t find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.” He was willing to help anyone, anywhere, no matter what the circumstances were.
David spent more than 20 years working for New England Construction Company, a career he was prideful of. When he wasn’t pounding nails or falling off roofs, you could find him on Lake Dunmore; boating, fishing, critiquing all the newly-built homes or trying to flip any brave soul that hopped onto a tube. As an avid gun collector, David boasted about the importance of proper firearm safety; he was a proud member of the NRA. A dedicated father, brother, uncle, and friend, it’s those in his life he cherished most that brought him joy.
David was predeceased by his father; Arthur Butler and mother; Elizabeth Mae Willey Butler, his partner; Lori McDurfee and many extended members of the Butler family. He is survived by his daughter; Shawna Butler (Hunter Gallipo) of Salisbury, and son, Joshua Butler (Cathy Blake) of South Royalton. David also leaves behind brothers Richard, James, William and Paul, sisters-in-law Sara Jane and Sue as well as a niece and nephews. David was blessed with a second family, Lori’s children; Trish, Heather and Daniel and grandchildren; Alyssa, JD, Logan, Liliana, Rowan and Oaklynn.
The family wishes to sincerely thank everyone at the McClure Miller Respite House and the Hematology/Oncology Department at UVMMC for their excellent care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in David’s memory to the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vermont. Email
