CELEBRATING THE LIFE
OF
BRUCE G. BUTLER
June 23, 1950 – October 28, 2004

My Friendship with Bruce began in the June of 1974, while I was stationed at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany.  Our unit’s First Sergeant Hallowell introduced us and it went something like this, “Karate Chop Bruce meet Judo Chop Bruce”. Within two weeks, we were demonstrating martial arts together at the 4^th of July Celebration at Patch Barracks.  For the next two years, we taught Judo, Ju-Jitsu & Karate together in the “Patch Gym”. While we were stationed together, Bruce & I traveled to various martial arts events, to include Athens, Greece to conduct demonstrations & officiate tournaments; Vienna, Austria to attend the World Judo Championships and to Rotterdam, Holland with the USA Team to compete in the European Tae Kwon Do Championships.   Together, we had Many Great Times!

As a Husband, Bruce’s Love and Devotion to his wife Chris was Always Evident!  In the past 30 years, Bruce & Chris have been Inseparable and I expect that to Never change.  As a Friend, Bruce’s Loyalty and Support over these many years has been “Our Treasured Gift”.  His Caring Friendship was a Hallmark of His Character.  As a Sensei, for 35 plus years, Bruce was Always Learning, Teaching and “Giving Back” to the martial arts and those around him.  Over the years, Bruce shared his knowledge and mentored thousands of aspiring martial artists.  (Our “Time on the Mat” is one of My Greatest Memories!)  As a Leader, Bruce was a Founder of the Armed Forces Martial Arts Association in Europe and later, the United States Martial Arts Federation.  Bruce served on the National Boards, as an Officer, of both the USJJF and the USMAF.

 Dr. Jigoro Kano, the Founder of Kodokan Judo, once said, “A Man’s Life is Successful if he makes a contribution to our society”.  I can tell you “First Hand”, Bruce G. Butler made Many Contributions to our society and he surely Benefited This World.  Like another Great Man, Will Rogers, who always had a smile (& often a joke) as well as a “Welcoming Hand” to others, Bruce Butler was a True Ambassador of Good Will and a Leader in the American Martial Arts Community and in Our Society.

 We will All Miss Bruce Butler and we look forward to seeing him again someday.  I have been Very Blessed to have Bruce G. Butler as My Friend & Brother these past 30 years and forever.  God Speed Bruce.

Our thoughts and prayers to the family of Bruce Gregory Butler.

With Greatest Respect,
Bruce

Bruce R. Bethers
President, US JU-JITSU