RIP - F/O Steve Butte, DFC, RCAF 403 Squadron, November 11, 2010

[David E. Brown]

Hello gents,

I have the sad news to report that F/O Steve Butte, DFC, a pilot with RCAF 403 Squadron, passed away – fittingly - on Remembrance Day, November 11, 2010.

As the obituary below notes, Steve lived a long and happy life and spent his last years with his lovely wife Rona in Western Australia. Why he traded their weather for our bracing Canadian one, I’ll never know!

I knew Steve for almost twenty years when he moved into my town just a few blocks away from me. He enjoyed recounting his experiences with whoever was interested and was pleased to assist Spitfire enthusiasts and aviation historians whenever possible. Certainly his appointment as Honourary Colonel of 403 Squadron was a highlight in his life and he was most grateful to his friend Dean Black for the opportunity to become involved with the Air Force after so many years. I recall him telling me that many memories flooded back to him as he sat in the cockpit of RAF Manston’s Spitfire Mk. XVI “KH-Z / TB 752”. He said that he felt like it was yesterday and being back in his old “KH-D”. If they had left him alone with some fuel in the tank, he no doubt would have taken her out for a spin. He knew and loved the Spitfire inside out as both only a pilot and engineer could.

More information on Steve can be found in the following links and of course in John Manrho and Ron Putz’ outstanding book “Bodenplatte”. The attached photo below is of Steve and mutal friend Mark Peapell sharing some pints and information just before he heading off to Australia in June 2005. Mark presented Steve with a beautiful model of his famous aircraft “KH-D”.

Rest in peace Steve, you have earned it.

Cheers,

David

http://rcafspitfirepilot.tripod.com/
http://www.acesofww2.com/Canada/aces/butte.htm



Butte, Stephen – 87. The family of the late Stephen Butte, DFC, BASc, P.Eng., is mourning his passing that occurred in Fremantle, Western Australia, on November 11, 2010. Born in Waugh, Alberta, he was the youngest of three children born to Steven and Catherine Butte. At the age of 18, Stephen enlisted in the RCAF in January 1942. Assigned to the 403 Squadron, City of Calgary, at Tangmere, he formed a fighting team with pilot Andy MacKenzie. On January 1, 1945, Steve earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his great skill, bravery and tenacity in action. Steve married Maries (Smith) of Truro, and together they had children, Marlene (Mrs. Robert Rudderham) of Bedford; Sharon, of Glace Bay; Stephen, of British Columbia and Anne (Mrs. Wayne Little) of Halifax. After the war, Steve graduated from the University of British Columbia, where he attained a degree as an Engineer. He worked in some very isolated areas of British Columbia and the Yukon. Steve is predeceased by his wife, Marie, who passed away in August of 1974, following a long illness; and grandson, Andrew Joseph, who passed away suddenly in 1982. Although the nature of his work took Steve away from his children for most of their lives, he maintained undying love and pride in their accomplishment until the very end. He also had a close relationship with his nephew and his wife, Gary and Glenda Mosher of Alberta. In 2001, Steve received the honour of being elected as the Honourary Colonel of 403 (Helicopter) Operational Training Squadron CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada. Steve found a very caring woman in his later years who languished all her love and attention on him. He happily settled down in West Australia with his wife, Rona Edinger in 2004. We have lost a hero, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a friend. Sleep well Pos. In lieu of flowers, please direct sentiment to either the Canadian Cancer Society or to the RCAF Association Trust Secretary, PO Box 2460, Stn. D, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5W6.

Halifax Chronicle-Herald, Friday, November 19, 2010: http://jobspress.com/announcements/obituaries/butte-stephen-%E2%80%94-87-family-late-stephen-butte-dfc

[John Manrho]

I am sorry to hear this. Steve Butte was a great person and his help was very much appreciated. He will be missed.

John