****UPDATED OCTOBER 26TH/15 @ 1:30PM EST*****
Surrounded by members of his family, William “Bill” Butcher passed away this past Thursday at Lakeridge Oshawa after suffering complications from Lyme Disease.
Many in the football community knew Butcher as the Referee in Chief of the Durham/York Football Officials Association (FOA). He was also the past president of ETFO Durham and retired from the teaching profession.
York Region Athletic Association (YRAA) Football Covernor and King City Lions Coach Jeff Masterson said Butcher embodied the league’s main philosophy.
“York Region Athletic Association believes firmly in ‘”Education through sport'”,” commented Masterson. “Bill Butcher’s support of this mantra was no less then amazing. Bill’s positive attitude towards the athletes and coaches did not change from a house league game to the Metro Bowl Championships.”
Overall, the legacy Butcher left behind has impacted players, coaches and the league in a profound way.
“He worked hard to make the experience both enjoyable and educational for everyone involved,” expressed Masterson. “His smile was contagious and always had time to talk things over.”
“York Region Football was made better by Bill’s effort and he will be deeply missed.”
A memorial service will be held on Friday October 30th from 3:30-8:00pm at Royal Ashburn Golf Club. Games that have been scheduled in the YRAA for that day have been moved to Monday November 2nd.
Donations and flowers can be sent honouring Butcher to a charity of your choice.
CanadaFootballChat.com offers our condolences to Butcher’s wife Emy Moreland and his entire family during this difficult time.
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