Denis R. Butler, 69, of Cedar died on August 5, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. Denny fought a battle with esophageal cancer – under his terms – with an alternative non-toxic treatment. Denny; the seventh child of nine, was born on April 29, 1944 in Strathroy, Ontario to the late Fredrich and Wilhelmina Butler. He was proud of his Canadian heritage.

Denny loved his work – installing and finishing hardwood floors. He started as a teenager helping a tradesman in Strathroy. Later, when he came to the states, he joined the Carpenter's Union as a journeyman floor finisher. As life would take you, he landed in the Great North – Cedar, Michigan in the late 1970s. Here he continued working with hardwood floors. He was proud of the fact that he never advertised. He had awesome customers, who by recommendation, helped grow his business for the next 30 plus years.

Passionate in his beliefs, Denny was always ready to help. He was extremely grateful to be sober for over 25 years, with the help of the fellowship. He also had a passion for dancing; waltz, two-step and swing. He enjoyed gardening and loved eating right from the vine.

On November 10, 2000, Denny married Deborah "Debbie" Jones, combining their two families into one.

Denny is survived by his wife, Debbie; his son, James (Sydney) Butler; his daughter, Cheryl (Michael) Stradinger; sons; James Jones and Christopher (Michelle) Jones; grandchildren; David Butler, Harley Butler, Lexie Stradinger, Raven Butler, Gwyneth Jones and Kyle Jones. Five siblings; Marlene, Bob, Donny, Carole and Bonnie, all living in Ontario, Canada and many nieces and nephews.

Denis was preceded in death by a sister, Jan, two brothers; Vern and Peter Butler, a niece, Becky and a mother-in-law, Dolly.

Funeral service to celebrate Denny's life will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2013 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City. Visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. prior to the funeral.

Please share your memories with Denny's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service.