The family of a former Eastwood mayor have paid tribute to an 'incredibly good man' who loved his community. Peter Butler, also a former councillor on Broxtowe Borough Council, was happily married to his wife for 63 years.
He lived in Eastwood and died at the age of 83 on Tuesday, March 15, at Queen's Medical Centre - the day after his 63rd wedding anniversary. He died from sepsis, with Mr Butler having had issues with his lungs. And for the last two years of his life he had lost nearly all his eyesight due to cataracts and glaucoma in his left eye.
Mr Butler was mayor and a councillor in 2005 until 2006. His family said he would have stayed on for longer if his health hadn't have deteriorated. He suffered with a heart condition and was given a pacemaker.
Read more: Pork Farms product warning as workers at Nottingham bakery vote for strike action
His wife Marie Butler, of Eastwood, met her life-long husband when they were 16 back in 1957 and they were soon married in 1959. The 84-year-old said: "We had a marvellous marriage, we only lived doors away from one another and went to the same school. My husband was not very well, I got called to the hospital on the Tuesday and got there with only minutes to spare. I hugged him and gave him my permission to go, as he had been hanging on waiting for me. We had 63 wonderful years together."
The pair spent nine years in the Royal Military Police and lived across the world including in Libya, Germany and Hong Kong. Mr Butler then worked at HM Lowdham Grange and Wandsworth Prison. After deciding it wasn't for him, he worked in various roles until finally retiring at the age 64.
The former mayor decided to get involved in local politics because of his love for the people in the community. Mrs Butler added: "He loved Eastwood, it took our hearts. I still live here." The pair were involved in numerous groups across Nottinghamshire, including singing in the Hucknall Operatic Group and a drama group at Cinderhill.
As an incredibly family orientated man, Mr Butler was a 'greatly loved' dad, grandad and great-grandad to 13 great grand children and grandchildren. Mrs Butler added: "He was an incredibly good man. I loved him and I am proud of him and all he has done. We did everything together. My family and friends have supported me tremendously."
Peter Kevin Butler, Eastwood, who works as an applicant engineer, was Mr Butler's youngest son of three.
The 50-year-old said Mr Butler was a loving father and grandfather to his children who absolutely adored him. He said: "He was good loving favour, he would always play with us. I remember helping him with DIY stuff and ripping out a hedge. My kids loved him, they would go round to their house and play in the sitting room, they loved it."
Mr Butler's youngest son said his parents were inseparable. He added: "They were always very close and would do everything together. They would go to amateur dramatics and I would go with them to rehearsals, we'd go watch them perform also. They definitely had a lovely marriage, they stuck together for 63 years.
A service of celebration for the former mayor will be held at St Mary's Church Eastwood. The date is yet to be determined.
What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea
