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Leonas “Leo” Algimantas Butkus

October 28, 2023

At the age of 74, Leo passed away peacefully on October 28, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia.

Beloved husband of over 51 years of Baiba. Proud father of John and Mark (Michelle) Butkus and adored grandpa of Luke. Also survived by brother John Butkus, brother-in-law Rudy (Mary) Lacis, and niece and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents Jack and Polina Butkus.

As a lawyer and then businessman, Leo strived to be generous and kind to colleagues and customers. Above all, Leo was driven by an intense love for his family which he revealed every single day. He will be remembered for his love of birds, love of sports, and his firm belief that every dog deserves a treat.

Visitation at Northview Funeral Chapel, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Celebration of Life on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

Special thanks go to Dr.B Yaremko and Dr.M. Sanatani of the London Regional Cancer Program, to Dr. Angela Wang of Petrolia, and to the staff and volunteers of St. Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia for their compassion and kindness in caring for Leo and his family.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia Lambton, London Regional Cancer Program, or Sarnia and District Humane Society.

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Baiba and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. My sincerest condolences to you.

~ Rick Overeem

Dear Baiba and Family. So sorry to hear of Leo’s passing. He was a wonderful person. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this difficult time. Rick and Jane brooks

~ Rick and Jane brooks

Dear Baiba and Family, Thinking of you all at this sad time. Leo will be missed. Such a kind man.

~ Jackie Miller (sister of Dela Horley)

My deepest sympathies to Baiba and sons John, Mark. I've never forgotten Leo's generosity and assistance when I was in need of it. Leo was a man of principle and good sense. He shall be missed by many. Good bye old friend.

~ John Novog

Leo and Bill met when they were both practising law in Hamilton. They struck an instant friendship which led to years of occasional golf games and meet-ups at hockey arenas for kids’ hockey. Our whole family has wonderful memories of time we spent with the Butkuses. When all the children were young we looked forward to summer visits to Sarnia when everyone enjoyed Leo’s latest new ‘toys’ - of which he had many! Regrettably as we moved east and the Butkus family had moved west our get-togethers became less frequent. However whether it be a memory of Leo at the helm of his boat or of him regaling us with the antics of Boomer the dog, we will always cherish the quality time we had with a kind, fun-loving, truly honourable man. Baiba, John and Mark have our deepest sympathy.

~ Bill and Jill Burden

Dear Baiba and family, I am so sorry to hear of Leo’s passing. While we have not had contact in decades, I have fond memories of our days at Catholic Central High school. God bless your family at this difficult time.

~ Becky Bulsza (nee Beninger)

My deepest condolences to the Butkus Family. Leo was an amazing guy to work for, and always treated you with the upmost respect and compassion. He helped me in my darkest time of my life, and I will be eternally grateful. Biaba, you two had an amazing life together, I’m so sorry that cancer has claimed another! John and Mark, I know how hard it is to loose a father, but I’m sure he was so very proud of both of you! Take care of one another!

~ Shawn Staples


Condolances to brother John and to his wife Baiba. Sorry for your loss. We sang in the choir and danced in the same folkdancing group in London. He also had a room in the same house in London when his parents had been transferred to Quebec with work. Leo wanted to finish grade 13 in London. He was a wizard at cards. One winter storm we were out of power and so much snow that you could not go anywhere; so the landlady invited us to join her and her husband to play cards in their kitchen. Apparently she always won at cards. However, Leo soon proved her wrong. He was the best card player. Keep you all in our prayers...

~ Angela Narusevicius Ambrozaitis

Leo was the kid of guy you always remember. Used to have a lot of of fun with him at CCH. So sorry that he has passed so soon. May your memories sustain you with this loss.

~ Donna Morgenroth (Brown)

Growing up in London we went to Saturday school together and danced in the Lithuanian Folk Dance group. We played basketball together at CCH and then on the Lithuanian basketball team. You know that your jump shot from the corner that counted for 2 points then, would count for 3 points today. You will be missed Leo -see you on the basketball court Vic Navickas

~ Vic Navickas

Services for Leonas “Leo” Algimantas Butkus

Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario

November 8, 2023 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Celebration of Life will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario

November 9, 2023 11:00 am

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If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.

St. Joseph's Hospice Sarnia Lambton

Sarnia and District Humane Society

London Regional Cancer Program

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