Brett Butler, age 55, joined God’s Navy Fleet in Heaven, on Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, at his home surrounded by his wife and children after losing a battle with bladder cancer.

Brett was born on Dec. 26, 1961 in Park Rapids, Minn., to William Stanley Butler and Arlyce Butler. At the age of three, Brett and his family moved to Washington state. He graduated from Mark Morris High School in 1980.

He met Tamara D. Curtis when he was 16 while on the same swim team together in high school, and the two were married on Dec. 5, 1981. They have been married for 36 years and have three wonderful children.

He joined the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller in January 1981.

Those who served with Brett would say he was a great teacher, mentor and friend to any sailor he served with. During his time on the USS Independence, Brett was awarded Pacific Fleet Air Traffic Controller of the Year.

He went on to earn four Navy Achievement Medals for outstanding service. He retired an E7 Chief Petty Officer in March 2004 after 23 years of service.

Brett was an avid golfer. He enjoyed fishing, family game night, fireworks, comic books and gardening with Tammy. He loved to sit by the campfire sharing memories and telling sea stories. On a warm sunny day, you could find Brett cruising the island in his 1965 convertible Comet.

Brett is survived by his loving wife Tammy Butler; daughters Stephany Butler and Stacey Butler; son Corey Butler; mother Arlyce Butler; step-mother Kathy Butler; and six siblings: Cary Butler, Bill Butler, Robin Stout, Cindy Foley, Shawnda Macie and Kristie Butler.

Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28 at Whidbey Island Chiefs Club. In lieu of flowers please donate to your local Relay for Life or hospice center.