2015 -- H 5213

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LC000890

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF RAYMOND

BUTTERFIELD, II

     Introduced By: Representatives Lancia, and Nardolillo

     Date Introduced: January 29, 2015

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with utmost sadness that this House has learned of the passing of

Raymond Butterfield, II, the beloved husband of Eileen Butterfield, and the devoted father of

Raymond Butterfield, III, and his wife, Laura, Michelle Butterfield-Franco and her companion,

Maurice Fontaine, and Suzanne Chase and her husband, Dale. He was also the very proud

grandfather of Emily, Raymond IV, Natalie, Matthew, CJ, Brandon, and Ryan; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Butterfield was the only child of the late Raymond and Alice A.

Butterfield. While born in Providence, Mr. Butterfield had grown up, made his home and settled

his family in Cranston. Upon graduation from Cranston High School East, he enlisted in the

United States Navy and served our country with honor as a Machinist Mate on the USS

Brownson; and

     WHEREAS, After returning from military service, Mr. Butterfield attended the New

England Institute of Anatomy and Mortuary Science in Boston, and attained his degree and

passed the National Board Examinations in Funeral Service. He entered the family business, The

Butterfield Home and Chapel, where he oversaw services and interment arrangements for

countless neighbors, friends, and family members. During his four decades at the business, he

served as Funeral Director, Embalmer, Owner and President, and his compassion, dignity, and

professionalism during those difficult times was a source of support and comfort to all; and

     WHEREAS, Also committed to serving his community, Mr. Butterfield was a dedicated

member of the Rotary Club of Cranston, had been named a Paul Harris Fellow in 2008, and had

received special recognition for maintaining perfect weekly attendance in Rotary International for

35 consecutive years. In addition, he volunteered with Boy Scout Troop 66, and was a member

of the East Greenwich Yacht Club, American Legion Auburn Post #20, East Greenwich

Fireman's Club, Little Rhody Pontiac Chapter, Auburn Library Club, Cranston Council Knights

of Columbus #1738, the Rhode Island and National Funeral Directors Associations, and was a

former member of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Butterfield spent many wonderful hours fishing and enjoying the water

on his boat Wake, and later on Wake II. He had competed in the Rhode Island Tuna Tournament

and U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournaments for more than thirty-five years. In addition, he participated

in the Block Island Bill Fish Tournament where he also served on the Tournament Organizational

Committee and as the Tournament Weighmaster; and

     WHEREAS, Ray Butterfield led a happy and fulfilled life. He was a loving family man, a

consummate gentleman, and a loyal friend to many. He leaves this world a better place because of

his life’s endeavors and he will be dearly missed; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby expresses our deepest sympathies on the passing of Raymond

Butterfield, II; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Eileen Butterfield and Family.

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