Timothy Ricks Butler (Tim) passed away on May 8, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on May 2, 1969, to Elizabeth and Leroy Butler in Brattleboro, VT, Tim spent most of his young life in Northfield Vermont with many adventures around the world including a year in Aberdeen Scotland and many months in Sanibel Florida.

He attended Gordon College, St. Joseph's College and graduated from Norwich University. He married Lynne Butler in 2000 and welcomed two loving daughters Thessalie and Ryleigh Butler into the world. They have lived together in Fairlee for 24 wonderful years.

Anyone who knew Tim knew he was always good for a (sometimes long) chat or a laugh. He could brighten any room with his warm smile and infectious humor. He never came upon a person he couldn't talk to, a problem he couldn't solve, or a question he couldn't answer (though he may not have always been right). Some would say he was a freakin' genius. He worked the last 18 years at New England Research, where he was a beloved coworker and friend. In his free time, you could find Tim outside. Puttering in his yard, hiking the Upper Valley trails with Lynne and their dog Sampson, paddling the rivers and lakes, or skating and cross-country skiing in the winter. Mother Nature also lost a friend in Tim, as he was always a lover of animals, and a wealth of knowledge in the forest. More often than not, as a Top 2% Spotify listener (worldwide), he would have a carefully curated playlist on, as well as his signature wide brimmed hat. Tim was also a lover of live music, frequenting the Lake Morey summer concert series as well as many other local venues. Tim and Lynne were particular fans of The Rough and Tumble and went to see them perform whenever they could. When his daughters were younger, Tim could always be found as a present and passionate fan at soccer, basketball, and softball games, and theater performances. Tim will be remembered as a bright presence, a good man, and a loving father, husband, friend, and sibling. 

The family would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all the friends, family, and community who provided food, help, and support throughout this process, and the staff of the DHMC oncology clinic and the inpatient floors for the compassionate care they provided Tim while he was under their care. In addition, they give special thanks to Dartmouth Home Health hospice employees Gene, Megan, and Kendra.

In addition to his wife and daughters, Tim is survived by his siblings Justine Myers and her husband Jim and brother Christopher and his partner Ivana, his Aunt Justine Shields, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Leroy and Elizabeth, his cousin Marcie Shields, and his loving grandparents.

A service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Thetford at 1100 on Saturday May 16 with a reception from 1230-330 at Lake Morey Resort.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Vermont Public Radio or the Upper Valley Trails Association.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com