Wayne James Butrick

Wayne James Butrick, age 76, of Union Twp., NJ passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023 at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Twp., NJ.

He was born on February 26, 1946 in Great Barrington, MA.  He resided in the Clinton area since 1987.

He was the son of the late James and Gloria Scutt Butrick.

He was the husband of Karen Mei Butrick, celebrating 51 years of marriage.

Wayne earned his Bachelor’s Degree from St. Joseph’s College and his Master’s Degree from Columbia University.  He worked as a Physical Education Teacher and Coach for thirty years in several schools in Summit, NJ, ending his career teaching Middle School at his 2002 retirement. 

Survivors in addition to his loving wife include one daughter; Jaime Landsperger of Lebanon, NJ and her ex-husband Scott Landsperger of Bethlehem Twp., NJ.  One grandson; Marshall Landsperger.  Three siblings; Kevin Butrick of Newburgh, NY, Jill Minugh and her husband Tom of Pompano Beach, FL and Glen Butrick and his wife Nicole  of Oakland, FL. Niece; Kerry Dowling and nephew; Jim Butrick.  

Sometimes extraordinary people live seemingly ordinary lives. They go to work, love their families and friends, and have varied interests and passions. But once in a while, there is someone who is so much more, touching many lives and living a life of love, honesty, integrity and respect for others. Wayne was one of those people who lived his life with these values and put others before himself. His brother Kevin who spoke to him every morning, shares that he never heard Wayne say a negative word about anyone. ( Well, maybe some political figures. Ha) 

A favorite Ralph Waldo Emerson quote:

" To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children…to leave the world a better place…to know even one person breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

Wayne absolutely succeeded in life!

Wayne's main focus in life were his family, friends, teaching, coaching, and athletics.  Family was always # 1. 

He had such love and respect for his parents, who provided him what he considered an idealic loving childhood. He certainly reciprocated their love , especially at the end of their lives when he assisted Mom during her last days and brought Dad into his and Karen's home. Wayne also thought of the small things that would bring happiness, like going out of his way to pick up the roasted chicken Dad liked after chemo. 

Wayne's relationships with his brothers and sister were especially close. As the oldest, all can agree he was  " the best big brother." They all have been there for each other in good times and bad. Despite physical distance, they speak often and see each other when they can. They end each conversation with, " I love you." 

As a Dad, Wayne was the best! From the moment Jaime was born, she was the light of his life. He was a hands-on involved parent in every way- whether it was changing a stinky diaper, taking care of her when she was sick, playing Barbies AGAIN AND AGAIN, spending 10 minutes to help Jaime with socks on her " sensitive" feet until they were on  just right, and serving as another Dad to friends who were always welcome in the Butrick home. Given Wayne and Karen's different work schedules, he often was solely in charge . These special times together were responsible for their close bond. Daddy's linguine and Progresso clam sauce for dinner, breakfasts at the local luncheonette( 4 year old Jaime to the waitress:" I'll have the usual.") , Summer camp together where Wayne coached at the attached Baseball Camp, and weekend movies. Jaime also became a fixture at his schools and helped Daddy set up equipment. Later, in what can be the more challenging teen years ( " not so challenging" as per her loving parents. Wink wink) , Wayne offered support, love, hugs and kisses. As his adult daughter, Wayne made Jaime's concerns and needs a priority for both the big and small things.  Just 3 days before he passed, he made his weekly run to pick up her recycling, drop off paper products from the " Butrick Costco Garage Warehouse", a couple of bucks- because that's just what Dad's do, Mimi and Pa's modest weekly allowance for grandson Marshall and his favorite bagel and cream cheese for after school.. Wayne could not be more proud of the caring, loving, independent woman Jaime is and especially for being Mom to Marsh who had become a kind, compassionate, sensitive, intelligent, creative and talented 16 year old. 

In addition to being " Daddy", being " Pa" to his incredible grandchild was so meaningful to Wayne. After briefly retiring to NC, Pa and Mimi returned to NJ to take an active part in Jaime and Marsh's lives. Even 16 years later, family laugh about the time " older" Pa and Mimi were walking their newborn grandchild in a stroller and an elderly woman looked in the stroller, looked at them and remarked, " What a miracle! " Maybe not the miracle this woman referenced, but definitely a miracle! Pa could not be more proud of this amazing human being and his many accomplishments. Some of the many Pa and Mar moments together: spending hours playing the same " Sally and Butrick stuffed bunnies pretend Game" AGAIN AND  AGAIN,  driving him to and from elementary school, breakfast at " Nick's, a supportive ear and talks. And in later years, providing a lift at a drop of the hat and sharing common interests like movies and TV shows. " Did you see the new show with your favorite actor?" All these wonderful times together created the close bond they have shared. Mar remembers and honors Pa for all the special moments, both big and small, but so many small.

51 years of marriage! Wayne was an incredible thoughtful and loving husband to Karen. Their lives together weren't grand by some people's standards. Family was always first.  There also were friends, work, students, neighbors, trips, and activities together like tennis, exploring local towns, parks and restaurants, the occasion minor league baseball game , indulging Karen's affinity for flea markets and antiques ( he never complained when she brought home yet another flea market project  that may or may not be left undone in the garage for years. Ha) and they even shared political activism. Wayne was pleased he could play a small part in the campaign to turn North Carolina, their  home at the time, blue to elect Barack Obama in 2008. Despite hating doctor offices and hospitals, Wayne was with Karen every step of the way with her serious and not so serious health challenges in recent years. Her wish was his command. He would insist on traveling to 3 or  4 shops , if necessary,  to find her a bagel if she were to mention a craving. Every week Wayne would go with Karen to her favorite Cafe in Frenchtown to get vegan mac n cheese- even if he was fasting that day and wasn't going to eat.  Anything for his beloved wife. They were together all the time and took pleasure in each other's company even doing ordinary things like their daily card game of Five Crowns. After keeping track of hundreds of games, Karen was currently ahead by 5 games. There was much playful teasing, competition and laughter as one or  the other took the lead. After 51 years , they knew and appreciated each other's humor and  inside jokes that had been repeated many  dozens of times. There was no shortage of laughter. Wayne was appreciative and complementary of everything Karen did. And as was his way, he expressed his love in small ways and daily expressions of love that she most appreciated rather than grand gestures. Karen's happiness , wishes and well- being were Wayne's priority. He asked little for  himself; was modest in his wants and desires. Wayne was supportive and respectful of Karen's feeling, wishes and choices- be it going back to school later in life or changing from cooking his old favorites to healthier fare. He would make a point to tell friends that he really enjoyed bean burgers and lentil stew vs beef stew -and he meant it. Loving partners in life! 

30 years teaching and coaching in Summit schools before retiring in 2002, Wayne was a dedicated educator and passionate about coaching baseball and basketball.  A colleague and friend describes him as a " phenomenal teacher", "one of  the most sensitive caring and compassionate teachers" who was always there for his students and colleagues.  Also, he was an advocate for  teachers  in his work with the local teachers' union. First and foremost, his goal as a teacher and coach was to help guide students to be their best selves. He could be " strict", but had a heart of gold. Wayne's students came from varied economic, family and ethic backgrounds. He was sensitive to each student and their particular situation, personality and needs. While Wayne was a fierce competitor, both in his own athletic career and as a coach, winning never took priority over sportsmanship, fairness and respect for others. He didn't hesitate to sit- out a player for a sportsmanship infraction even if it might mean the game. Teaching a life lesson was more important than a win. In his time at Summit, Wayne made many friends and was respected for his skills, integrity and compassion.  In recent years, he  loved reconnecting with colleagues and students on Facebook. It would bring tears to his eyes to read kind words from his former students , now all grown up with children of their own. It couldn't be better than knowing you had a positive influence on young people– especially  the kids he was concerned about , yet had great hopes for them that they later realized. 

Not surprisingly, Wayne gravitated to PE and coaching due to his life- long love of sports. One of his early treasured memories was of his grandfather taking him to buy a top - of- the- line baseball mitt that he lovingly cared for. He and his local friends as well as his cousins, when he visited then in upstate NY, would play baseball anytime, anywhere until the sun went down. Wayne's childhood dream was realized when Washington Township organized their  first Baseball Little League in 1957. His team played the first league game and lost 23-0. However with his love of the game, determination and  commitment to the team, he helped the team win the League Championship. From that time on, athletics would be a prominent part of his life. It was key to his development as a young person and provided him with life- long friendships. As a young boy with natural athleticism and a passion for sports, his path would lead  him to Babe Ruth and Connie Mack Leagues and more championships and friendships. Wayne also excelled at basketball.  In fact, he would not have met Karen if not for her brother Ed, Wayne's good  basketball buddy.  He followed his passion for sports throughout high school and college with great success and potentially had an opportunity to pursue a professional baseball career. 

As an adult, Wayne's experience, knowledge and associations resulted in being hired as the Washington Township Recreation Director, a part time position as he was starting his teacher career.  

He continued to play competive sports throughout the majority of his adulthood. Softball was his game. He loved the sport, taking his game very seriously; but also loved the camaraderie and didn't mind a couple of after- game beers at the Knights of Columbus or the several bars that sponsored his teams. And then tennis was added to the mix! Despite never having had a lesson, Wayne quickly progressed to be an advanced player who ,with his partner and friend ,became USTA finalists. He enjoyed competition, but also playing socially with friends and mixed doubles with Karen, who didn't play at his high level. They both developed close friendships though tennis that continue today. 

Wayne had numerous awards and trophies from a lifetime of achievement in sports, but as a humble  guy who was always about the game and not the accolades, those awards remain in a box in the garage or have been recycled to give to students and rec kids over the years.

Wayne was quick to pick up the phone to touch base with a friend or family member and offer his love and support. He was someone who placed others needs before his own. Some people may not have always recognized his sensitivity, but  his emotions ran  very deep. Wayne will be remembered simply with 3  words: He was a " very good guy".  The world is a better place for having had him in it. 

All services will be private at this time.  A celebration of Wayne’s life will take place in the spring.

Arrangements by Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home in Lebanon, NJ.

Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society by calling 1-800-227-2345 or visiting cancer.org.

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