EWEN BUTLER

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 44, 21 April 1987, Page 6

EWEN BUTLER

The last returned serviceman from the First World War and the oldest member of the Waimarino RSA died in Raetihi recently at the age of 92. Ewen Cleave Butler moved to Raetihi with his parents from the South Island in 1909. Mr Butler worked on the family farm on Pipiriki Road before he travelled to Palestine with the Mounted Rifles in 1916. He returned from the war in 1920 and took up employment with the Raetihi Co-op Dairy Factory as a driver. The factory closed down in 1956 and Mr Butler retired from the company after many years of service. During this time he became a great friend of his

farmer clients, who he would visit regularly to pick up supplies of cream and deliver stores. Mr Butler was a very skilled rifleman and won numerous awards. He was a member of the Orautoha rifle club and spent many weekends pursuing his hobby. He was also a keen deerstalker and loved the outdoors. His last hunt was when he was 89 years old. In his retirement, Mr Butler kept a garden and also kept up his hobby of tinkering with motor vehicles. Mr Butler was the last surviving member of his family. He is well-remembered and sadly missed by those 'original' residents of Raetihi and his many friends.