It is with sadness that we belatedly report the passing of Neil Butchard.
Neil served on the steering committee of the Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative from its earliest days, and he participated for many years. In addition to his service on our committee, he was an avid photographer, frequent contributor to Manitoba Birding on Facebook, and a well-regarded and skilled guide at Fort Whyte Alive.
On a biographical note, here are a few details from a tribute on Facebook:
After his internship at the Children’s Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he returned to Manitoba and spent his career as a school psychologist and Clinical Psychologist in Manitoba. During this time, he touched many lives. Along with his best friend Bob Spencer they formed WEVAS Inc. that helped trained individuals on effective and humane ways of dealing with children and adolescence, who were aggressive and violent. He also did some teaching at both universities and sat on various boards. For a time he was acting director of the Children and Youth Secretariat.
Neil obviously left a lasting impression on those he encountered as evidenced by the following observations posted after Neil’s obituary in the Winnipeg Free Press Passages section (February 1, 2025):
“A bright light has somewhat been extinguished and it will be hard to imagine Neil being gone because he lived life with such positive energy. It was fun to feed a birding question or observation to him because you just knew that he would light up and relish the pursuit or chance for a new insight into nature. RIP good friend and mentor.” – Lewis Cocks
“We remember Neil as a colleague and friend. He was instrumental in the establishment of psychological support services to rural and suburban students in Manitoba. He also pioneered the use of computers for children with disabilities. He was insightful, compassionate and a great teacher.” – Keven & Gloria Van Camp
“Neil was an outstanding leader of birding walks at Fort Whyte-supportive of new birders and keen to share his love of nature. Our sincere Condolences to his family and friends.”- Louise Buelow-Smith & Eric Smith
Farewell, Neil…
