Laurence Michael "Mike" Butler, Jr. 88, of Anacortes, passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021.  He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Frances (Smith) and Laurence Michael Butler, Sr. on March 11, 1933. He was a Yale Graduate with a Degree in History, and he received a Degree in Animal Science from the University of Colorado. He went into cattle ranching and later owned and operated a cattle ranch for 24 years before retiring. During the course of his life, he showed an enduring love of nature and animals. He was very concerned with the environment and the disparity of wealth around the world. Mike was an avid reader, always in pursuit of broadening his knowledge on subjects that appealed to him.

Mike met the love of his life, Lupita Varela in Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico. Lupita fondly remembers his passion for whistling which was very harmonious to listen to.  He was a fluent Spanish speaker, and late in life he enjoyed meeting regularly with a Spanish language social group in Anacortes. He will be deeply missed.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his sister, Debbie Bancroft; his beloved wife of 39 years, Lupita and their son Ben; four children from a previous marriage: Martha, Larry, Kate, and Meg; grandchildren: Lisa, Molly, Colin, Bridget, Emma, Dorcy, and Miya; and great grandchildren: Arlo and Felix.

To share memories of Mike, please sign the online guestbook at www.evanschapel.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests celebrating Mike's life by supporting forest restoration with a donation to Trees for a Change. There is a custom grove for Mike at www.treesforachange.com/custom-grove-of-trees