Ray Butler

Ray Butler, 80, died Jan. 25, 2004, in Reno. He was born Jan. 17, 1924, in Waterville, Maine, to Arthur and Irene Hallee Butler.

Mr. Butler was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II. He was an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration for 35 years, starting his career in Alaska and retiring in Oklahoma City in 1980.

He was a member of the B.P.O. Elks for 54 years and a charter member of the Minden-Douglas Elks Lodge. He was a charter president of the Carson Valley Chapter of AARP and volunteer coordinator of their income tax aides for 12 years. He was also a charter member of the Minden-Gardnerville NARFE chapter. He loved the outdoors, skiing, hiking, gardening, reading and music.

Among his survivors are his wife of 23 years, Heidi of Minden; son, Daniel of Denver; stepson, David Lagos of Reno; daughter, Susan Butler of Medford, Ore., and Joanie Schiavo of Palos Verdes Peninsula, Calif.; stepdaughter, Christine Cocking of Mountain View, Calif.; brothers Harry of Indian Wells, Calif., and Robert of Roanoke, Va.; and eight grandchildren.

A private service will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Northern Nevada, 705 S. Wells Ave., Reno, NV 89502.

Walton's Chapel of the Valley is in charge of arrangements.