Don Butler

In Loving Memory of

In loving memory of Don “Butty” Butler. Don sadly passed away on 14th January 2021 taken by COVID-19.

Don’s working career included time in the RAF, time spent as a graphic artist, running Gate Antiques in York, landlord of the Cock & Bottle in Skeldergate and then the Golden Ball in Bishophill, retiring in 2002.

Rugby was his passion with his playing career at York RUFC (playing on Hob Moor in those days) cut short by injury. He organised and managed the York Unicorns who played midweek which obviously suited Don as he worked at the antique shop on Saturdays. The Unicorns played attractive open rugby and Don’s charismatic personality attracted good players from a variety of clubs across the county.

He held numerous volunteer positions at York RUFC over his 68 year connection with the club. Latterly he was Vice President & Life Member Co-ordinator. He was made a Life Member of the club in 1976 and he was also a Freeman of the City of York.

Don was a kind, warm-hearted, fun-loving, very sociable man always with a positive view of people he met & knew. Two of Don’s sayings were “life’s just a bowl of cherries” and “you’re special, you’re different to all the rest”.

Stories of matches, tours & occasions involving him will continue to be exchanged for many years to come. Our thoughts are with son James & brother Alan for their very sad loss.

Please use this book to share your memories of the wonderful man who touched so many of our lives.

Book Owner: York RUFC Don Butler

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Mark Gronnow

Don truly was one of the greats of York RUFC. He was one of the first to welcome me into the club. When taking on the chair role he gave me plenty of advice and tips about the club. He looked after his VPs like brothers and sisters – and he did always refer to them as his VPs. However, my fondest memories come from him inviting me over to “coffin corner” to tell stories of his wonderful adventures on and off the field. He will be sadly missed. RIP Don …

March 27, 2021
9:47 pm

Andy Brown

My memories of Don like many are numerous. My first being the club tour (my first) to Edinburgh in 1979. Stopping on the way up at Dunbar Rugby Club. After the game I heard my first recital of “Eskimo Nel” (in full) and thinking who is this guy? We hadn’t really been introduced at the time. After that tour I was always “Brownie” to him, hello Brownie every time I saw him. Only turned out for the Unicorns on a couple of occasions but always memorable. You will be solely missed “Buttie” RIP …

February 28, 2021
4:29 pm

Brenda Pearson

What a wonderful gentleman with a fantastic sense of humour- will be missed by so many but remembered by all who knew him. …

February 17, 2021
12:07 pm

Pete Jones

First met Don in 88 on a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Hull when asked to have a run out for the Unicorns and it went from there. Don was a true gentleman a top character full of fun and humour. Many a good night spent in C&B and Golden Ball enjoying his hospitality. Buttie you’ll be sadly missed and it was truly an honour to have known you. By the way it was your round. RIP. …

February 15, 2021
10:59 pm

Julian Hird

Such happy memories of visits to Straford-upon-Avon to watch Shakespeare, something Don never thought he would like but he was always prepared to try something new – this led to more than 30 annual trips! He looked forward, especially, to post-theatre drinks in the Dirty Duck pub, actor-spotting! Priceless! Monday nights in the Cock and Bottle are never to be forgotten – a weekly highlight for so many. I shall miss our Friday night drinks over the past few years trying to find a pub that didn’t have someone in it who knew Don – a rarity as he was so well-known! A good friend whom I will never forget. …

February 6, 2021
11:58 am

Gerry Dinmore

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Don and offer my condolences to all family and friends. I was serving in the RAF at Church Fenton in the early 1960s joined the club recommended by a current player also in the RAF. It was great fun down on Hob Moor though somewhat basic, as I remember! It wasnt long after I joined that I met Don, it wasnt difficult as he was the centre of any fun going. We became good friends and enjoyed many wonderful times together. A good friend, an honourable man and all my memories of him are happy ones. Although we havent met for a good many years, somehow I shall miss him just being there. He leaves a huge space. Rest in peace my friend. …

February 5, 2021
10:34 am

Dean Robinson.

I first met Don some thirty five years ago, when he refused to take no for an answer, to his requests to play for his beloved Unicorns. I am so glad I did succumb. Thanks Don for all the magical memories you gave me whilst in your company. Especially the nights in the Cock and on tour in America. You were always the best of company with your songs and tales from “the old days”. An honest and genuine gentleman. Rest In Peace Don you were one of a kind and will always be remembered by the people who were privileged to meet you. …

February 4, 2021
11:46 am

Mick Press

When I first joined YRUFC Don was an established member of the 1st XV. He became a very popular and accomplished Captain who led by example on and off the field. I will always remember his faultless renditions of “Eskimo Nell” – nobody did it better! A true gentleman and will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Farewell Don! …

February 4, 2021
11:30 am

GRAHAM SMITH

York RUFC was Don’s True Home but he loved Rugby in all its forms, something he inherited from his father. Many years ago a group of us made our annual pilgrimage to Wembley, Rugby League Challenge Cup Final, and on the preceding Friday it was the Rugby Union Sevens Tournament, Don came along as he did from time to time I shared a room with him and two others in what Don described as ‘interesting digs’ located in the ‘posh’ part of Goldhawk Road!!?………………… I vividly recall the fun of the trip, a quietly threatening Irish landlord, with at least 4 huge ‘minders’, trying to acquire Don’s Unicorn jumper The next day a free lunch and a few drinks at his pub was provided to all of us Don later took a tour to play against the pub invitation team. Don’t know if the Irishman ever got a jumper? But in particular I remember travelling on the tube back to the digs when Don serenaded the carriage with a medley of Rugby songs from his vast repetoire and especially to the refrain of ‘These Foolish Things Remind Me of You’ – all the verses – we provided harmonious support?? The …

February 4, 2021
9:57 am

Malton & Norton RUFC

February 3, 2021
9:09 pm

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In Loving Memory of

Don Butler

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Mark Gronnow

Andy Brown

Brenda Pearson

Pete Jones

Julian Hird

Gerry Dinmore

Dean Robinson.

Mick Press

GRAHAM SMITH

Malton & Norton RUFC

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