Thomas Raymond Butler died at Evergreen Health Hospice Center on November 12, 2024 due to complications of late-stage dementia. He was 77 years old.

Tom was born in Colfax, WA. and for a time he and his parents lived with his grandparents in Pullman, WA. As Tom’s family grew, they moved across the country and back again while his father pursued education and career. After high school he attended the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO followed by enrollment at WSU in Pullman. It was in Pullman where Tom met his future wife Susan and where they continued their education and graduated from WSU. While there, Tom worked in the Computer Science Department to support their mainframe systems. From Pullman, the move was west to the Seattle area where his wife had been raised and to work in his chosen field of computer programming and support for Safeco, then Blue Cross, Puget Power and later Software Technology Inc. In 2003 Tom assumed ownership and operations of Software Technology Inc. which became STI Tech Inc. until its closure in 2022.

Tom enjoyed fatherhood very much and made himself available to participate in his sons' various sports activities. Over the years he enjoyed being assistant coach for his sons' soccer, baseball and basketball teams. Belonging to the Eastside Youth Soccer Referee Association gave him a chance to not only referee many youth games and tournaments but to also create a computerized system for referees to record games and receive payments.  

As retirement years approached, Tom enjoyed travels with Susan especially if it involved ferry boats. He so delighted when the grandchildren started to arrive and when he could share in all their activities. When Tom and Susan reached their 50th anniversary, he was still able to take it all in and happily recounted their celebration many times over.

Throughout his dementia Tom received the best of care from his Hospice Team and from the wonderful caregivers at his AFH Blueberry Garden in Bothell. When he progressed into the Evergreen Health Hospice Center, he was given the gentlest and kindest of care.

Tom is survived by his wife Susan Butler, son Shawn Butler and wife Shannon Laird of Edmonds, WA; son Nathan Butler and wife Thia Knowlton of Portland, OR; sister Kit Denman, brother Doug Butler, and Aunt Lois Conner, grandchildren Collin Pabon Laird, Maggie, Tessa, Fiona and Elliot Butler Laird, and Shane and Lily Butler, brother-in-law Tom Ruttkay, sister-in-law Judi Coglon (and Tim) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his father Raymond Butler, mother Mary Egert, stepfather Bill Egert, sister-in-law Cece Ruttkay, great aunt Margaret Butler Olive and Adam Butler.

A funeral will be celebrated for Tom on Monday November 25th at 11:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kirkland, Washington with internment at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery in Shoreline.

Our grateful thanks to all those who kept Tom and family in their loving care and prayers.