We have lost a Brother and PGR Member,
not to mention an American Hero. Butch passed
at his home peaceably with family on 4/16 @
1815 (6:15 pm). He had battled much the
last 3 years with several serious illnesses. It
took many to take this giant of a man down.
Butch has been a valued Member, Temporary Ride
Captain, not to mention the other duties he performed
when asked, he was proud to accomplish everything
asked of him and yearned for more to do. Butch,
in the early birth of the Ohio PGR was a dependable
Member, he didn't miss many Missions if any.
Later disability to drive has limited his
activity. He is the roots of the PGR in
Ohio. It is because of him, in part his share,
of the reason we have the pride and reputation we
have today.
Butch served in the US Army from
4/25/69 to 1/8/71 in Company B 5th
Battalion 7th Cavalry (Air Mobile) and later in HHC
2b Bde 1st Cavalry (Air Mobile). Butch's Unit
was ordered by then President Nixon, to
enter Cambodia and search and destroy NVA
weapons caches. The NVA kept supplies across
the border, and until they were found and destroyed
would kill many American Soldiers. The
Documentary Shakeys Hill was done with an imbedded
Australian photographer. Butch was contacted
and declined an interview for this documentary, still
suffering from PTSD, as "Shakey" was his
50mm loader. Because of this find, about 6
other locations were mapped, and destroyed.
Butch received the Army Commendation
For Heroism. Most heroes don't think they are,
and Butch is no different. Butch battled the
demons of war the rest of his life, only feeling
comfort at home or with the Patriot Guard
Riders. He and his family have become our
family, and now we support them in any way we
can.
Butch leaves behind a wonderful wife,
Terri, who has made Butch a "Heaven on
Earth" home in the country, son Adam of
Washington DC, daughter Rachel of Dayton, and
daughter Ashley of Marysville. and other Aunts,
Uncles, Cousins and a Brother. And Butch leaves
us behind. Our Mission continues in his memory,
and he is with us always.
Our Brother is now resting in peace,
free from the pain of this world. He is never
to be forgotten as a quiet man, a generous man, a
Father, a Brother, a Husband, a Friend, and most
definitely, A TRUE AMERICAN HERO (and as before, to
my dying day, he will not change my mind about that)'
"Tater" Retired Ohio
State Captain
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