Margaret May (Johnston) Butcher

Margaret was the youngest child of William and Florence Johnston and she was happily married to Walter Gordon Butcher.

Marg lived her whole life in the RM of Birtle, Manitoba, was raised on a farm south of Rossburn, and started school at Ekford. In 1936, the family moved to a farm south of Solsgirth, and she completed her schooling at Solsgirth. In 1945, she married Walter Butcher and they farmed six miles east of Birtle in the Burdette district. They started with dairy cows, then changed to registered Angus beef cattle, and eventually full-time grain farming. She enjoyed farm life and was an active partner. Her children have vivid memories of her hauling grain late into the night during harvest. Marg and Walt farmed until 1993, sold most of the land, and built a house in Birtle overlooking the river.

She was committed to the 4-H movement in rural development. As a leader in the Birtle Home Economics Club, Marg strongly encouraged her children and other 4-H members in public speaking and demonstrations.  She participated in UCW and was a founding member of the Birdtail Country Museum.

Marg is survived by daughters, Joan Butcher of Winnipeg, Glenda (Paul) Molgat of Red Deer, son Gordon (Pat) Butcher of Calgary, and daughter-in-law, Linda Butcher of Calgary. She leaves ten grandchildren, Shannon Belvedere, Catherine (Steven) Stowe, Mae Butcher (Islam), John (Punteha) Butcher, Jane Butcher (Saptarshi Chakraborty), Philip (Ghizlane) Butcher, Curtis (Jamie) Butcher, Derek Butcher, Chatelle (Bruce) Cory, Vincent Molgat. She was delighted with her fifteen great grandchildren, Maxwell and Ty Cory, Mason and Pruitt Butcher, Lauren, Daniel and Thomas Belvedere, Steven Jr and Ryan Stowe, Abdullah, Adnan and Aasiyah Elshazly, Dia and Neel Chakraborty, and Adam Butcher.

Marg was predeceased by her husband, Walt (1921- 2013), her son, Morris (1953-2016), her father, William (1892-1944), her mother, Florence (1895-1962), brothers, Andrew (1916-1992), Laughlin "Pat"(1917-1985), Douglas (1921-2007) and sister Christina "Ina" Randall (1919-1997).

The family wishes to thank long term caregivers, Cheryl Garlick and Zoe Huberdeau and recent caregivers, Dianne Clark, Joanne Reimer, Adrienne Bryant and Alissa Ross, who enabled Mum to stay in her home.  Also, thanks to Max Geras for his ongoing support and the Birtle community for their help and visits over the years.