Roy Gene Butler, born October 7, 1946, in Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away December 3, 2024 with his faithful wife of fifty-two years and family at his side. After a long battle with Alzheimers, Roy leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, generosity and dedication.
Roy was born the first of four children to Roy Orum Butler and Hazel Juanita Clawson. He found joy bowling and playing baseball on rooftops and alley-ways and shagging baseballs for the minor league baseball team, the Cowboys. He graduated from Twin Falls High School and joined the Air Force in April 1966. He fondly told stories of his active duty years, including time in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. He attended the College of Southern Idaho and developed the strong work ethic he carried throughout his life.
On June 17, 1972 he married his forever dance partner, Lynn Summerfield. Devoted to giving all that he could, together, they raised three children: Shane (Stacy), Keri (Ryan Price), and Jennifer (Matt Cambier). He was a proud grandfather to Sydney, Emma, Kate, Charli, Isaac, Haddyn, Jacob, Nora, Victor, Crew, and two great-grandchildren. He had a special love for the babies, taught silly tricks to the little ones, and was always up for a game and dessert.
A first generation college graduate, Roy graduated from the University of Idaho in 1975 and accepted his first accounting job in Orofino. He and Lynn settled their growing family in Boise just two years later. Roy received his long sought-after CPA license in 1987 and started his own firm in 1996. During his career, he was an active member of the Boise Exchange Club and served on the board of the Humane Society. He retired in 2016 after celebrating his much-loved career and forty tax seasons.
Roy's family remembers his sharing of his humble beginnings, his love for fishing and camping and how to dance. He was the best omelet maker, hair brusher, basketball rival, shoe shiner, softball coach, hunting companion, bowling partner, and shopping buddy. He was a proud supporter of Boise State Athletics, but "once a Vandal, always a Vandal." He had a special talent for guessing any gift in the box and trying on a new hat always ensued much laughter. The color blindness discovered in the Air Force, led to treasured moments of helping to match ties, shirts, and socks to his suits. He imparted "the best part of looking in the mirror is you get better lookin' everyday."
Roy and Lynn shared their love of travel, taking cherished vacations to his most loved places like the Oregon Coast, Hawaii, Mexico, and an Alaskan Cruise to celebrate their fortieth wedding anniversary. His travels culminated when they purchased their RV and realized his dream of visiting the Major League Baseball parks across the US, along with much of Idaho's beauty.
Roy's warmth, humor, and love for his wife and family will be deeply missed.