Calvin Butler

Calvin (Cal) Charles Butler passed away on May 7, 2018 after a brief battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his family.

Cal was born in 1937 to Elmer and Gladys, and was raised in Fowler, Colorado with his three brothers Forrest, Mel, and Charles. Before beginning his academic career, he served in the U.S. Air Force (Philippines/Florida) as an aerial and military photographer. While attending Colorado State University (CSU), he met Marilyn Tesar and they were married in 1959. He graduated from CSU with a BS in Physics, MS in Atmospheric Science, and PhD in Statistics. He was appointed to the faculty at the University of Colorado (Boulder) where he taught undergraduate and graduate math students. He also worked for Shell Development in Houston.

In 1971, Cal and Marilyn moved to a family farm in Buhl, Idaho. Cal learned to farm (by watching his neighbors farm and asking lots of questions!) and served on the faculty at the College of Southern Idaho (including chair of the math department). He was a commercial pilot with a Cessna 180 and started an aerial photography business (infrared photos/photo mapping for Farm Service Agency). He served on the board of directors at the Magic Valley Regional Hospital and was a member of the Buhl Rotary Club. He enjoyed fellowship with other pilots in monthly meetings with QBs (Quiet Birds). Cal was also an active member of the Episcopal Church. In the 1970-80’s he joined with many local Christians to conduct Cursillo weekends. He was a lay leader in Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Buhl, serving as Senior Warden and as a vestry member.

Cal and Marilyn enjoyed traveling. Highlights included Cal’s ATV trips with friends, a Cessna 180 trip to Alaska, and pick-up camper trips (including driving the entire length of Baja). Their travel included several international trips (England, Russia, Germany, France, Costa Rica, Spain, Australia, Mexico, and South/Central America).

Cal will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, and for mentoring/inspiring his daughters, grandchildren, and students to challenge themselves academically and professionally. It was not uncommon for former students to stop by his office to share about how much they learned from him.

He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing card games and always encouraged critical thinking about the next move. He will be greatly missed by the entire family.

Cal is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn; daughters Janet Leeds (Tom), Karen Hurt (Harry), Lara Kowalski (Dan), and Amy Butler; grandchildren Jim and Ellen Leeds, David and Chris Hurt, and Matthew and Nathan Kowalski; and brother Charles Butler (Melanie).

A memorial service is planned for Saturday May 19, 2018 at 1:00 pm at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Twin Falls (371 Eastland Dr N). In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Magic Valley (999 Frontier Rd, Twin Falls, ID 83301) or Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (P.O. Box 26, Buhl, ID 83316). Arrangements are under the direction of Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl.