Peacefully at the time of his choosing at Brightshores Health Systems- Owen Sound, on Friday April 04, 2025 in his 70th year. In typical Butch fashion, he wrote his own obituary:

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Almost two weeks ago I entered the hospital to discover I had serious heart failure. The deterioration was so fast I entered the MAiD program with my transition on April 4th. Besides thanking the wonderful staff at Brightshores Medical, I want to acknowledge the people who enriched my life’s journey. I arrived in Glace Bay, Cape Breton to a most loving and caring woman, Eleanor Francis (MacDonald), on the day before her April 29th birthday. Despite the distances between my siblings as they matured and the push created by their careers, Cheryl, Helen, Keith and Michelle grew with me into a family bonded by closeness and fun.

Through my career over 40 years, I enjoyed the friendship of many people who would remain friends to this day. While I have benefited from having many friends, there are a few people that have had a major impact on my family and me. Lifelong friends like Jim Burns, Jan Mills and Don and Marsie Vince have enriched me and I thank them from the bottom of my defective heart.

My real joy comes from my children and their families. Chris, his wonderful wife Andrea and their children Noah and Riley, who have always brought me happiness watching their growth. Chris’s success in business has been inspiring with his accomplishments and I’m so very proud. Melissa brought us Ella who, like Melissa, dreams in colour and the two of them built their dreams while adjusting their successes they have become known for in their careers. As they continue their journeys, I’m very proud as they grow in business and as good people.

My ultimate influence has been the love of my life, my wife Colette. She is not only one of the smartest people I know but her honesty, patience (with me) and beauty has made each day begin on such a high, that each day was filled with happiness and fun. Over my 70 years I can say categorically my life has been lived well. I trust my friends and family continue to do the same as your journey unfolds. Much love to you.

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Butch will be sadly missed by the extended Smith and Rundell families as well as many friends in Brockville, Caledon and Williamsford ON. Very sadly missed by his Golden Retrievers Fergus and Malone who are wondering where their bacon supplier went.

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Cremation has taken place and arrangements entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. If desired, donations to the Salvation Army or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com