Brendan Sean Butler

Brendan Butler passed away after an acute infectious illness on June 22, 2024, at the age of 44. Born on July 13, 1979, in Indianapolis, Brendan grew up in Illinois and attended Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford where he was a scholar athlete, playing both baseball and football. He later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in Business as a proud Badger football fan.

Driven by his adventurous spirit and love of his family, Brendan followed his sister and moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2004. He worked several jobs while attaining his MBA from Willamette University. He later worked for the Oregon Clinic and volunteered for the Oregon Humane Society, adopting his faithful dog, Cassius. He met his wife, Joy, in 2013, and they were married in a glorious celebration at the Tetherow Resort in Bend, OR, in 2019. The couple welcomed their son, Wyatt Gregory, on April 7, 2022.

Brendan was always cool under pressure, handling strenuous situations with ease and a wry smile. Dependable both at work and home, Brendan's hard work was driven by his dedication to others rather than personal accolades. He was also a prankster who loved a harmless joke to spread cheer and raise a chuckle among his friends. At celebratory events, he loved to boogie and often performed the lawnmower dance to the delight of onlookers. 

Brendan won over countless friends with his disarming wit, quiet nature, and sweet disposition. He had a genuine love of pizza and a bold palate for new food. An avid sports fan, he counted many professional teams among his favored ranks, including the Chicago Bears, the Chicago White Sox, and the Portland Trailblazers. He also enjoyed wine and was blessed to live close to the Willamette Valley region. 

His love for travel took him to many places with Green Lake, Wisconsin, and Hawaii being favorite family destinations. Throughout his life, he went on road trips with friends to attend live music for bands such as Phish and Radiohead. Despite his love for new experiences, weekends at home or at the Farmer’s Market with his family remained among his favorite activities. Tender-hearted, thoughtful, loving, and funny, Brendan’s proudest accomplishment was being a doting and amazing father.

Brendan is survived by his wife and son, Joy and Wyatt Butler; his parents, Dr. John and Mary Ann Butler; his sister and brother-in-law, Stephanie Butler and Scott Hadden and their two children, Caden and Sean; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Mary Ann Bryant; as well as many more family members special to him.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to donate to the Oregon Humane Society in Brendan’s name.