Friday, March 20, 2009

A Note About My Dad




In Loving Memory
Garis Buttars
Husband, Father, Brother, Friend
July 4, 1948 _ March 12, 2009


Garis was born to Cleo and Lillian Buttars in Rupert, Idaho on July 4, 1948. Garis was the third born of five children. His mother always said he was the most affectionate of her sons. He couldn’t pass her in the kitchen without giving her a hug. He loved to eat; especially his mom’s mashed potatoes and gravy, but got very tired of chicken. He had a soft spot for animals, both big and small.
Growing up on a farm taught him the value of hard work. Cleo agreed to buy each son a car with the agreement they would work the farm with him for a year. Even though Garis didn’t want to work on the farm Cleo still signed with Garis to buy a 1962 T-Bird. He graduated working at the gas station, but still helped out on the farm when his parents were out of town.
Garis worked hard starting out in factories working long and hard to better the life of his family. He worked for Simplot’s, the Sugar Factory and Del Monte. He eventually learned enough on his own about electrical work that he left Del Monte after 10 years and went to work as an electrician. He self studied to pass the boards for his Journeyman's license in ID. The test for UT was much harder and he knew if he didn’t pass they would require 18 months of school for the license. He passed. When work wasn’t good he would travel and live in man camps always making sure to provide for his family. While away and his evenings free he took up pipe welding. His desire to have is own business grew and he built a shop in the backyard and built beautiful custom horse trailers.
After following his kids to Arizona, he continued his work in the electrical trades. He took business and bookkeeping courses and gained his Arizona contractor’s license. His dream and G.B.’s Electrical Services, Inc., were born. There wasn’t anything Garis couldn’t build or fix. Anything he set his mind to he was able to accomplish. Hard work and dedication were his trademarks.
While he would never admit it, Garis was an artist. He made beautiful belt buckles and gun handles out of steel and carved intricate nature scenes in ivory with tiny chisels and hammers utilizing a powerful magnifying glass. They were popular in gift shops throughout Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Sun Valley, Idaho. He was especially good at pencil sketches. He taught himself to play the guitar during the late 70’s and was quite good. After an injury to his left hand, he was unable to play for many years. After a recent surgery he discovered E-bay, bought himself a Dobro slide guitar and once again started to play. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, motorcycles, water-skiing, wine, cooking and photography. He enjoyed hobbies throughout his life. He was an avid reader and taught himself virtually every skill or hobby that interested him.

His life was blessed with 5 children: Christopher “Shane” Buttars, Kalispell, MT, Rachele Lee Funk, Goodyear, AZ, Krista Jean King, James “Mason” Buttars, and Lyndsee Marie Buttars, Avondale, AZ. He has 7 grandchildren. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, wife—Paula Buttars, brothers—Dennis and Jeff Buttars and sister—CleAnne Dunn.

We are thankful to have known such a wonderful man. The family wishes to thank you for your support and friendship. He would have wished us to continue to make our dreams a reality and discover our talents and interests.
We do not know what lies ahead or what the coming days will bring. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some there will be great accomplishments, for some disappointment. For some, much gladness, health and good living and for others perhaps sorrow and sickness. We do not know. Whatever the future holds the Redeemer of the world stands as the anchor of our lives, the rock of our salvation, our strength, and our comfort. Let Him always be the focus of our faith and hope and forever our joy will be.

17 comments:

Stacy Engstrom said...

Rachele,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. This is a beautiful write up about his life, It brought tears to my eyes. God bless you.
Stacy Engstrom
(A silent lurker who follows your blog)

Jeanne said...

Thinking of you during a most difficult time. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man.

May your memories help ease your pain.

Anonymous said...

Rachele,

I am so sorry for your loss and am keeping you close in my prayers. What an amazing man - so strong and courageous!

May the angels keep you close and sweet memories comfort you.

Hugs,
Sharli

Elaine said...

I continue to pray for you and wrap my arms around you in comfort. I hope that the happy memories comfort you when you need them to. All my love, your friend, Lainey.

Jen said...

that is beautiful, Rachele. I am very sorry for your loss, and pray that it gets easier for you and your family.

bundled blessings said...

I am so sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. A prayer has been said for you and your family. Know that your Father now rests with the Angels. God Bless You Teresa

Sandra said...

I am very sorry for your loss. My your father rest in peace!
Sandra

stampmonkey said...

Rachelle, I'm so sorry to learn of your recent loss. Your father sounded like a wonderful man, and I'm sure you will miss him terribly. May the Lord comfort you as you learn to adjust to life without him.

Debbi Muche said...

Rachele, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your father, you have my deepest sympathies. It sounds like your father was a very special and talented man, I'm sure he will be sadly missed by all, especially by his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you, sending gentle hugs across the miles.

Anonymous said...

Wow Rachelle what a nice tribute and wonderful dad. Sorry for you loss.

Lois Michael said...

Very nice tribute to your Father Rachele. You are in my prayers. Miss you!

Rosella said...

Rachelle, I am so sorry to hear about your loss! You and your family are in my prayers. May God comfort you!!

mE said...

OH Rachele,

My heart goes out to you! I am sending you the biggest {{{{{cyber hugs}}}}} possible!! I am sorry to hear of your loss. Know that many people care about you and are praying for comfort for your family.

Inky Hugs & Smiles,

Erin

Creative Heart & Hand said...

I am so sorry for your loss Rachele...may the wonderful memories of your father help ease your pain during this difficult time. God bless you and your family.

Kari said...

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Know that you and your family are in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Anonymous said...

Rachele,

I just happened to look up your blog and saw your posting about your father. Your father was apparently a very talented man. Not suprising, since he had a very talented daughter. I believe I met him once when I went to Burley with you (for Thanksgiving? ). I did not realize that he had followed you guys to Arizona. It has been about five years since I have seen my own father. I made reservations about a month ago (with tax return proceeds) for me to fly out and visit. My father will turn 84 this summer. My father survived prostate cancer, and a four month convalescence in a nursing home after mixing up the gas and brake pedals and totalling his SUV into a brick wall. I marvel at how young your father was. In fact, your father was just a year older than my oldest brother. I hope that the message of the resurrection provided an extra measure of succor for you this Easter weekend.

Love,

Mike Jayme

Little Craft Box said...

He was a wonderfull man... I'm very sorry to hear he is no longer here... I'm sure that all those lovely memories and great unforgetable moments will keep him in your heart for ever!!!