Jeremiah Chad Butler

Twenty-three-year Alaska resident Jeremiah Chad Butler, 26, died Feb. 14, 2005.

A memorial service will be held today, Sunday, Feb. 20, at 5 p.m., at the American Legion in Palmer. This will be a potluck service. There will be a viewing Monday, Feb. 21, from noon-3 p.m. at Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.

Mr. Butler was born May 26, 1978 in Houston, Texas, along with his identical twin brother. His family moved to Alaska in 1983. He graduated from Kenny Lake School in 1997.

He started playing hockey when he was 5 years old. He played through high school and at Seattle University as a free agent. After high school he met the love of his life, Shyla Riley, and moved down to Texas and then to Washington, where he worked as a car salesman. Mr. Butler moved back to Alaska in 2004.

His family wrote: "Jeremiah had such a passion about life, family, and hockey. One of his pastimes was working with children, bettering their hockey skills. Jeremiah inspired us all with his family values and love of life. Jeremiah's presence, smile, and personality could light up any room like no other. Jeremiah was a very loving father, son, brother, and friend. Jeremiah's energy and presence we will miss and cherish forever."

He is survived by his son, Jeremiah Riley Firth-Butler of Wasilla; mother, Kathie Campbell of Wasilla; stepfather, Jim Higgins of Wasilla; twin brother, Josh Butler of Everett, Wash.; sister, Veronica Butler of Wasilla; brother, Joby Higgins of Wasilla, and the love of his life, Shyla Riley.

Mr. Butler was preceded in death by his son, Andy Lefferson; father, Marvin Q. Butler; cousin, Cassandra Raskelley, and his aunt, Judy Siira. A memorial account is set up at Wells Fargo Bank.

Arrangements were made by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.