Obituary of John W. Butterfield

JOHN WATARU BUTTERFIELD

Date of Place of Birth

November 24, 1950

Koror, Palau 

Date of Place of Death 

September 1, 2019

San Pablo, California 

John is survived by his Wife of 43 years, Julia and his two Children, Lina Stephens and Jack (Sherrell) Butterfield.  Very proud Grandpa to his Granddaughter, Ava and Grandson, Nicholas.  

John was born in Koror, Palau, Son of Wataru L Imeong and Toiu S Wataru.  

Beloved Brother to, Hiroshi Wataru, Margaret Dively, Theodora Mikel, Francisca Ngirngetrang, Maria Renguul, Pablo Wataru, Antonia Wataru, Nicholas Wataru, and Leoncia Sims.  

Brother-In-Law to, Mary Anne McAbery, Don Mowzoon and Denise Bannon.

John spent a lot of his time between Home and his 2^nd Home, the Gym, Lakeridge Athletic Club where he became a member 30 years ago, on August 25^thof this year, and you’ll even find him on the “Club 25” plaque at the Gym, making it as a honorable Member of the Month in November of 2018.  

He loved spending time with his Grandchildren, especially sneaking them goodies when their parents weren’t looking (the kitchen was always stocked with cookies).  Time in the Backyard Gardening or practicing Baseball with Ava, to some along time with Nicholas while driving him home after Mom’s workday, was time well spent.  The last few years John’s drone collection has grown, as he and Jack would enjoy a little competitiveness as to who could fly and land the drone the best.  Although John would let Jack fly the drone most of the time, it was a great time to bond, even if he would just stand there, he was standing next to his Son.  John loved to cook, and two of his Favorite ingredients, Soy Sauce and Ginger may have been a staple in his meals, however he cooked with love, and would cook for an Army!  Famous for his Sweet Chicken and Ribs.  If he didn’t cook, he was making sure his Grand-kids had snacks to take home, or after a Baseball Game of Ava’s, that he’d make sure he was there for.  

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Roselawn Cemetery in Livermore, CA at 11:00 AM.