One of my dear frien-ds, John W. Butt, passed away in October this year -- 2024, He celebrated his 84th birthday on February 14, 2024, Here are two odes I wrote to honor him on his birthday and his death.
The REVEREND JOHN BUTT TURNS EIGHTY-FOUR
There was a gentleman from Kentucky, Who, like Isaiah, heard the voice of the Almighty. He went to Harvard Divinity School to study theology, There he sat under Tillich and learned of Niebuhr. He came out a radical theologian and a compassionate neighbor!
Adventurous, courageous and a natural risk-taker, He traveled to Thailand to be an English teacher. Because of his accent the boys found English a tongue-twister. Fortunately he met the beautiful Martha Grodzin who helped him; “Love is blind:" In no time John was prancing to the tune of the wedding hymn.
They exchanged rings and went to live in Minnesota, They came back to Chiang Mai where John taught theology. Though his students hardly understood him, they loved him immensely. He had such a sway, a marvelous rapport with his students, Some learned to articulate theology with a Southern accent.
John’s love for Martha is incomparably enviable. And second to none his grandchildren are his pride and joy. He was a doting grandfather who would do anything to please all. He bragged of daughter Chanya and as proud of adopted Paul. Above all he considers the welfare of the family at the top of the pole.
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Outside the family none rivals his liking for the game of golf. He’s got a swing that would be an envy even to Rory. Anything about the eighteen holes he takes competitively; Ask Lennart Persson who played with him religiously.
He hopes to hit a hole in one-- perchance when he turns hundred and one.
John embraced and embodied his life with the “courage to be.” He established an institute so diverse faiths could understand each other. He co-founded an English program so non-Thai students could study theology. He could hardly swim, yet he dug a swimming pool so the neighbors could gather. How welcoming is their lovely home standing in an Eden-like garden.
John Butt, I thank God that I have been blest to be counted as your friend. I will never forget the time you spent with me waiting for a miracle. You were there for me, and thus the time of waiting was endurable. And there were other times, some naughty, some sweet and very nice. You are a special person who gave of yourself: my words of gratitude will never suffice.
Congratulations. You have reached eighty-four fruitful years. It is a huge milestone. You are now a true octogenarian! A momentous day that fell auspiciously in the year of the Tiger— The year of the brave, competitive, confident, charming and pleaser.
God bless you my friend. Continue to keep well and live until you reach your star!
By Dr Salvador T Martinez Banning, CA 92220-3042
7 February 2024
GOODBYE, JOHN BUTT
Goodbye, the Reverend John, my bosom friend! You’ve You havereached the pinnacle of human existence. Your memory is now perfect and your accent impeccable!
You have met the Ultimate Transcendence Truth and Reality. * Please say “Hello” to Karl Barth, Paul Tillich and Daniel McGilvary on my behalf.
You can now brag that with one swing you can hit a hole-in-one! In the presence of Arnold Palmer, Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan. You are now the envy of your friends, waitng for their turn.
They mourn your passing away, but celebrate and rejoice—
For a life well-lived and now assured of eternal happiness and peace!
John Butt, my closest friend, you have lived with the vision of mystery; Which you have sought and found in the face of the Transcendent Almighty. In the midst of your struggles to find peace with justice and Truth!
You gave all; even death was no impediment.
"Death has been swallowed up in victory!.Thanks be to God!”
Till we meet at the feet of Being Itself!
___________
*"Ultimate Transcndence Truth and Reality" is John Butt's name for "God."
1 Corinthians 54b, 57a (NRSV)r
By Rev Dr Salvador T. Martinez, Mandalagan, Bacolod City 6100 The Philippines
23 October 2024
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