William "Bill" Richard Butterfield

On March 25, 2025, William "Bill" Richard Butterfield passed peacefully at home. He was 85 years old.

Bill was born on September 3, 1939 in San Jose Ca. He graduated from San Jose High School and joined the United States Navy in March of 1958. He served 3 years in active duty and was honorably discharged in January of 1961. 

He was extremely intelligent and went on to become an accomplished and creative tool and die machinist performing outstandingly on the most complicated and sophisticated projects with precision, imagination and discipline. He was an incredibly devoted father who never failed to care for his family at any cost and an amazing friend who helped everyone with projects. 

Bill married Sharon Joyce Raymond in July of 1959. They were young and in love. She passed from Leukemia in July of 1964. During that time he was apprenticing and employed as a Mechanical Research Instrument Maker at NASA, Ames Research Center. 

 In 1968 he met  Leanne Joan Liljedahl. They married in September of that year and he became the father of her children, Athena Charlanne and Robert Charles. In 1970 they had their daughter Elizabeth Dianne. Their relationship was fun and exciting. They traveled and lived like nomads for a short time. They split up in 1974 and continued to be very good friends. 

Bill is survived by his brother David (Eileen), his daughters Athena and Liz (Jason Williams) and his son Robert (Michaele Caron) and his grandchildren Graeme, Zoel, Emily, Amber, Robin and Tyler. He  was preceded in death by his parents June and Bud Butterfield, first wife Sharon, second wife Leanne, grandson William Robert (Billy), granddaughter Lily Noelle and brother Charles Fredrick.

The celebration of life for Bill was on March 28, 2025 in his home. Graveside burial ceremony will be at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno at a future date.