Michael Thomas Butler was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Michael will be remembered as a very exceptional person.
Michael was born on February 11, 1985 at St. David's Hospital in Austin, Texas. He was the son of Francesca and Timothy Butler. Michael grew up in Cupertino, California.
Michael was raised with one sibling. He had one sister, Terry Butler Lebobe. Michael was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his sister. He and his sister experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.
As a young boy, Michael had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Michael was an active child who took part in soccer, baseball, and karate. In his spare time he liked to play with legos and video games However, to Michael, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.
A typical teenager, Michael had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Monte Vista High School in Cupertino, California in 2003. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.
Michael enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Michael was able to manage the balancing act. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. His favorite courses were Information Security and Programming Competitions. His favorite professor was Dr. Taylor. Michael was founding member and president of San Jose State's Computer Science Club and he competed in the ACM Programming Competition two years in a row. An avid competitive programmer, Michael was renown for his skill in TopCoder and on his school's ACM Programming Team.
Always considered a "good" friend to those he knew, Michael enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Robert Campbell and Scott Campbell. Later in life, he became friends with Josh Lipps, Johan Johanson, Christina Burris, and many more.
Fortunately, Michael enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Michael worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was software engineer. He was employed for Google and Vudo. He was an early developer at the video startup Vudu (later acquired by Walmart) and recently joined the Youtube team at Google. Michael always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.
Michael enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were video games, building and using computers, motorcycles, and cars. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Michael found pleasure in sports. Michael was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were watching the Sharks, a hockey team.
Throughout his life, Michael was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In college, Michael joined the Computer Science Club. Michael was a very intellectual young man. He was very passionate about technology and computers, loved solving puzzles and was always inquisitive as a child.
Michael Butler (known by many as Butler) passed away in a motorcycle accident on Saturday morning in San Francisco, California. He was 27 years old. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose, California. Michael was laid to rest in the coast of Santa Cruz, California.
Simply stated, Michael was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Michael leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Michael Thomas Butler.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 1, 2012
Andrew
To Mikes family: I'm his former roommate and he was an exceptional person. I'm sorry for your loss (my loss as well), he will be missed.
May 17, 2012
To the BUTLER family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P -|-
May 15, 2012
Marcia (Loly) Caballero
Dear Francis, although it's been many years since we have seen each other, I often think about those summers that you would visit with us in Miami. I also have very fond memories of your dad and mom. Please know that my mom and I are praying for you, Terry, Julie, your mom and the rest of our familly. We pray that you feel the warmth of God's embrace and the healing that only can be realilzed through your faith! We love you all, Loly, Cuca and family
May 5, 2012
Ricky Nigro
Mike,
I cried today when I learned that such a special, gentle, and loving person, you, is no longer with us. We shared many laughs, many shenanigans, and you will forever hold a special place in my heart. When I hugged you goodbye last time, I only wish I held on longer.
I miss you friend, forever and always.
-Ricky Nigro
May 2, 2012
Carol Beattie
Fran, Michael's mother has asked me to include information on how you can remember Michael.She has set up a scholarship in his name at San Jose State University, where he graduated with a computer science degree. See below for information
ONLINE: http://www.sjsu.edu/giving/
Notation: Michael Butler Memorial Fund
Make check to Tower Foundation SJSU - Notation - Michael Butler Memorial Fund
Send to
SJSU Tower Foundation
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0257
Attn: C Beattie
Questions: 408-924-1328
[email protected]
May 1, 2012
Terri Sulgit
Micheal shared classes with my daughter at Stevens Creek, Kennedy and Monta Vista. I especially admired Michael's smile, dimples, kindness and homework at the kitchen table. We have not seen him since graduation but he is part of our families memories.
Fran, Terry and all of Micheal family, we are praying and feeling a pain in our hearts, for the loss of Micheal.
The Sulgit Family, Cupertino, CA
April 28, 2012
Rita and Larry Scharf
Dear Fran,
Our family was so sorry to hear about Michael's passing. We feel very fortunate that we had the opportunity to meet him when he was in Texas in February. He was a fine young man. May he rest in peace and be reunited with loved ones in Heaven. You, Terry and the rest of family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
April 27, 2012
Melissa Harker
I will always remember Butler for his intelligence and loyalty. Almost any time I invited him to an event, he would go, one time even walking 4 miles to hang with us. I enjoyed many funny stories with him. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of his life and to have kept in touch with him the last couple of years. I apologize for the poor quality of the photo, but it's the only one I can find of Mike with me at this time. Even days after the funeral, it still hasn't fully hit me. My condolences to the family; this is a great loss to all of us. RIP Butler
April 26, 2012
My Dearest Son,
My heart is broken. I don't know how I will ever live without you. I am so proud of you my son. You were perfect. That is why you were ready to move on to a better place. I hope to finish my work here on Earth soon so I can join you and and your dad. I will always love you.
oxooxooxo
April 26, 2012
Mary y Nilfies Coyra
Que Dios les conceda la resignacion para sobrellevar el recuerd0 de tan lamentable novedad. Recordamos cuando nos reunimos en casa de Julie que estaban todos los primos juntos.
Abrazos y carinos de sus primos, Mary y Nilfies
April 26, 2012
Teri, Rene and Family
Please accept our condolences. Michael will surely be missed by everyone who knew him.
April 25, 2012
Edna Laskin
My dearest Frannie,
I feel your loss deeply because I know and love you. Wish I'd known Michael. Please count on my friendship...always.
April 25, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss and the pain you are in , no words I can give right now will take it away but to let you know that it will be better with time and I love you all......your cousin Fenito.
April 25, 2012
Barbara Palen
Michael, I saw you growing up since you were a young child. I have loved you and the rest of your family. I am so sad that you left us here on this earth. I know that you are up in heaven with God. We will see you there sometime. My condolences to your mom, sister and the rest of your family.
April 25, 2012
Ning Wang
Rest in peach Michael.
April 25, 2012
Gerri Balbiani
The loss of your child will be difficult to bear but the support of your family and friends will always be with you.
April 25, 2012
Joe Magallanes Jr.
Michael you are a wonderful son, brother, and uncle. It is a blessing to be a part of your family and to be in your presense. We will cherish your memory forever. Joey and Kiana still talk about you and the drawings you did with them, just like it was yesterday. Until we meet again.....
Love
The Magallanes Family
Joe Joe, Kimberly, Joey, and Kiana
April 25, 2012
Teri Allen
So very very sad. We send our love to you both and your family.
April 25, 2012
Colleen Pratico
Fran and Terri, please know that you are in our prayers.
April 25, 2012
Yolanda Chang
Dear Fran,
I am so sorry for your loss. Words can't express my sadness. I am so sorry that you and your family are going through such great pain.
Le pido a Dios que te mande mucha fortaleza para lidiar con todo. Te acompaño en tu dolor.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mucho cariño,
Yolanda
April 25, 2012
Elena Godina
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
April 25, 2012
Roger Hung
My deepest condolences. Rest in peace, Mike.
April 25, 2012
Mary Abrams
You are in heaven now with the rest of our departed family and will be missed very much.
I am very, very glad that I got to see your beautiful face in February.
Love you Michael. Rest in Peace Cousin.
April 25, 2012
venkat prasad
My deepest condolences. Sincere prayers & God bless.
April 25, 2012
Katie Salinas
Sending you all my deepest love, including Michael and his angels. Xoxo
April 25, 2012
Deepest condolences to Mike's family from a YouTuber. He was one of us, and while we will all eventually see him again down the road, he will be deeply missed.
April 25, 2012
Aditi Rajvanshi
I work with the YouTube team and never had a chance to work with Michael. But it feels terrible to lose a team member and a wonderful person as everyone's been saying. My heartfelt condolences to the family. May you have the strength and the compassion to see through some very hard times. RIP, Michael.
April 24, 2012
Vera
My heartfelt prayers & condolences go out to Michael & his family. Rest in peace.
April 24, 2012
John Thomas
My condolences to Mike's family. Please know that you all are in our prayers.
April 24, 2012
kathy stephanie josh dagostino
fly with the angels micheal god bless you
April 23, 2012
Madeleine Coyra
Francis , your Boca family is with you in prayer. May God grant Michael eternal peace, love and mercy.
April 23, 2012
JoAnne Simas
Dearest Fran and family,
Words can't express the sorrow I feel. Please know that you are in my prayers and always in my heart. It sounds like Michael accomplished so much in his short life. He would have been such a wonderful young man to know.
April 23, 2012
Joe and David Paolucci
David and I will always have a soft spot in our hearts for our friend Michael Butler, from the times we all skied in the mountains of California to enjoying each others company in our most recent visit in Texas. We will miss you Michael, bless you and your family. Love Uncle Joey and David
April 22, 2012
Allison Junco
Cousin it is so hard to even begin to believe that you are not going to be around anymore. We will remember all the great memories and your crazy sense of a humor. You lived your life to the fullest while you were here and your legacy will live on forever.
Tell Abuelo hello for all of us.
Love,
Allison
April 22, 2012
Stacey
April 22, 2012
Angie
I didn't know Michael but my condolences go out to his family.
April 22, 2012
Barbara Schanzer
May God be with you. Michael was such a wonderful, handsome, intelligent young man. He will be missed. Just know that I am praying for you and your family. With all my love, Barbara
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
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