Obituary of Joe Butel

Joseph Butel, 91, passed peacefully on Monday, January 10, 2022 at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina, SK.

Joseph Frank Butel (Joe), son of Konstantine Butel and Sophie (Benesh), was born on the farm just outside of Dysart, SK. He was predeceased by siblings Mary, John, Eddie and Gordon; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Joe is survived by brother Albert (Frances); and sister Alice.   

Joe leaves behind his loving wife, Bess (Elizabeth) (Demorest).  He was predeceased by his son, Broderick; and daughter Lois. His three surviving children, will miss him dearly:  Steven (Karen), Lisa (Brent) and Sandra (Francis); and grandchildren Tyler (Anna), Matthew, Jordan and Nico.  

Joe grew up on the farm and learned the value of hard work and community service early in life and this upbringing would set the stage for his lifetime of community service and participation. Joe loved to play pool and even ended up skipping classes in high school to “rack ‘em up”. Joe went on to study to be a teacher, with studies at Moose Jaw Normal School and later continuing his studies further at the University of Saskatchewan.  He met Bess at a Teacher's Convention, and they were married on July 27,1957. 

His first school was a one room classroom with many of the older boys being near to his age and bigger than he was.  Joe loved teaching and was dedicated to his students. He was a teacher and later Principal of Robert Southey School where he taught Algebra, Physics, Geo Trig and Computer Science. He owned the first calculator in Southey - it had 8 functions and cost a small fortune!! He loved to solve complicated math problems, word puzzles, brain teasers and Rubik’s cube.  Joe would love to show anyone and everyone his little fanny pack full of puzzles and tricks and could be heard to say, “hooyah, hooyah, hooyah,” as he demonstrated how to make a propeller spin forwards and backwards. He loved photography and could be seen at most functions with a camera around his neck and thus created thousands of albums of pictures of family and friends.  

He played a mean snooker game, a very competitive badminton game, enjoyed curling and pickle ball. He even took up tap dancing lessons in his late 70’s!!  Joe called BINGO for 21 years as a fundraiser for the Curling and Skating Clubs, served on the Knights of Columbus, Lion’s Club, the Southey Senior’s organization and coached volleyball, badminton and softball teams. 

Joe loved to be creative and had an artistic eye. He designed a very complex website, painted and drew abstract designs, sculpture and carved unique wooden ornaments.  He also played clarinet and enjoyed singing with the Church Choir and the German Boys.

Travel was another love for Joe and Bess with camping trips with the children over the summer holidays all over Canada and the U.S.A. to visit precious family and Joe and Bess traveled  to the Caribbean, Cuba, the Ukraine to meet with long lost relatives, to Europe, Ireland,  Oman to visit Steve and family, and several trips to Vancouver to visit with Lisa and family.  

Bess will dearly miss “her Joe” and the children and grandchildren will miss his spirit, humor, adventures, and his kindness.  

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.  Covid-19 protocols by St. James Roman Catholic Parish will be followed. For those not able to physically attend, a recording of Joe's service will be available early the week of January 17, 2022