HON. CORRINE BROWN
OF FLORIDA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of the Third Congressional District of Florida and myself we rise now to offer our heartfelt condolences and pay tribute to the life of Dr. Michael Bernard Butler, a humanitarian, healer, life activist and friend.
We are moved and encouraged when recalling the life achievements of this giant in the field of medicine and community and social activism. As a husband and father, we embrace his wife, his foundation for more than four glorious decades, Mrs. M. Jean Clarkson, and their children Brian and Michele. As man for whom education was the key, Dr. Butler received his B.S. Degree from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama and the degree of Medical Doctor from Howard University, Washington, D.C. Additional studies took him to Frankfurt Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Mercy Catholic Medical Center, also in Philadelphia. These academic and professional accomplishments insured his certification by and admittance to prestigious medical societies, and he was an Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida.
As a man who served his country, Dr. Butler distinguished himself on the field of battle in the Vietnam War with his service to and for the physical health and morale of those in his charge. He distinguished himself as a fine Naval Officer who valued his service to others and extended that service to other international theatres of need.
As a community activist, he gave of himself and his talents to benefit both the individuals and the many organizations he served. From the American Cancer Society to the Seminole County Rotary Board, the YMCA, the United Negro College Fund, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., NAACP and was a founding member of the Sweetwater and Heathrow Country Clubs. These and many other civic activities were distinctive and the accolades received for all his good works from many were prolific and countless.
And as a man of integrity, Dr. Butler was both gifted and inspiring. Where he saw pain, he sought to relieve it with medical acumen and personal interaction; where he saw potential in others, he gave them impetus and encouragement; where he saw despair, he brought direction and promise; and where he saw the need for love and caring, he gave of himself.
The life of Dr. Michael Bernard Butler was one of accomplishment, service and sharing. And now in his passing we pay tribute to the man and his life of service to all of us, and we pray that by his example each of us become the bearers of his legacy of caring. We come now to join in prayer for mother Janie Bell Butler, wife M. Jean Clarkson Butler, son Brian Butler, daughter-in-law Cathy Brown-Butler, daughter Michele Butler, two grandsons Michael James and Andrew, sister Judy Butler Rivers and husband Nathaniel, sister-in-law Rogena Butler and a host of loving relatives, friends, whose lives have been forever changed by this man of peace. We thank Our Heavenly Father for allowing us to be blessed with the time spent with Dr. Butler, our friend and brother.