16 Dec Robert Paul Butters
Robert Paul Butters, age 51, made his journey back to the center of the Universe on December 13th 2021, in his home. He was our beloved father, son, big brother, mentor, professor, Social Worker, friend, leader, and lover of nature.
He was brought into this world on April 7, 1970 by his beloved mother, Mary Lou Fryer Westfall, and father, Robert Kenneth Butters, in Salt Lake City, Utah where he lived and created his life. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1988. A self-made and determined man, he attended the University of Utah where he earned his Masters and Ph.D in Social Work. His dissertation, A meta-analysis of empathy training programs for client populations, combined his love for clinical work and evidence-based practices.
Dr. Butters served as a tenure track faculty member from 2011-2020 in the College of Social Work at the University of Utah, where he researched important topics such as Restorative Justice, reducing recidivism, sexual assault prevention, supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, and ethics.
Rob’s teaching style was inspiring, his positive energy was infectious, and his confidence and leadership developed respect.
Rob loved Social Work. The name of his business, “Life Matters Counseling and Health Center” reveals his passion: helping people with Life Matters. Rob’s professional legacy can easily be found within the State of Utah and beyond.
Rob married Cindy Wasek in 1996. Although they divorced in 2015, they remained close friends and raised 4 wonderful children together: Madison, Samantha, Robert, and Jack. He was proud to be a loving family man and enjoyed taking them on special camping trips, hiking, biking, fishing and kayaking adventures, cooking nutritious and delicious dinners, having spontaneous dance parties, encouraging their passions and much more. He was a wise teacher and leader of all things, and served as the rock in his family. He lived to spread his knowledge with the world with great joy and open-mindedness.
He had a close relationship with his siblings Jen, Mike, Jon, Carley and Kelsey whom he shared a lifetime of unforgettable laughs and escapades with. He also loved and nurtured relationships with his siblings Jessica, James, Derek, Katie, and Makayla. He was passionate about protecting and appreciating the environment; and was a fierce advocate for the Earth and equality amongst humanity- which was inspired in him by his mother, whom he had immense respect and gratitude for.
He was greatly loved in his community- cracking jokes with the neighborhood as he walked many trails with his dogs. He nurtured his relationships with boundless unconditional love. Dr. Butters was an expert in sparking compassion and eliminating self- doubt in others with his one of a kind sense of humor and deep understanding. His genuine fervor for life and noble courage inspired everyone who knew and loved him. Always prepared for an adventure- Rob now walks into the wild, with the immeasurable ripples of his positive impact from his footsteps trailing behind him.
A private family memorial will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2022 at 10:00 AM at City View Mortuary, located at 1001 E 11th Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84103.
A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2022, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the College of Social Work on the University of Utah Campus, located at 395 1500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.
To share condolences or memories with the family, please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1318518068562276
Colin Coker and Julie Bush
Posted at 19:01h, 16 DecemberThis is devastating for so many. We are here for you all. He was a wonderful human being.
Susie Olson
Posted at 21:35h, 16 DecemberSo sorry for your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. We love you ! ❤️ Keith and Susie Olson
Alysun A
Posted at 13:15h, 31 DecemberToday, as I was helping a client seek services. I advised them to reach out to Dr. Butters. I was shocked when I found out he had passed away on Dec 13, from a heart attack. Words can not express my deepest sympathy to his family. I was fortunate to have had him as a professor at the UofU many years ago. He was one professor bringing education regarding sexual abuse. As, a private investigator who specializes in sexual abuse I appreciated him educating and having a deeper understanding regarding the issues in Utah. Dr. Rob Butters will be greatly missed in the social worker field.
Jane Smith
Posted at 07:38h, 29 MayI am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Robert Paul Butters. Rob was an incredible person who touched the lives of many, including mine. He was more than a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and a guiding light for all who knew him. His infectious positive energy and unwavering dedication to helping others will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. Thank you to https://obituariesbylastname.com/ for the helpful guide on finding this obituary of a friend of mine.