Jonathan left us suddenly on January 17, 2019. Loving husband of Reema, beloved son of Emma and James, adored brother of Jim (Charlotte), Jodene, and Alison (Jay), loving uncle to Jason, Matthew, Stella and Russell, cherished son-in-law to Praveen Bhasin and loved brother-in-law to Sandy and Shawn. Predeceased by his father-in-law Subhash Bhasin, whom Jonathan adored. Jonathan leaves behind heartbroken cousins Susan and Kellie and many friends he loved including Stephen Lewis and David Gravender. Also countless other kind and caring friends and other family members will miss and fondly remember Jonathan. Jonathan had the kindest heart and the brightest mind. He was a professor, a writer, a poet, and not a bad golfer. He had the most amazing sense of humour and opened his arms to everyone. Jonathan received a joint honours BA in English and Philosophy from Memorial University and completed his PhD in 2001 at the University of Toronto. He adored teaching American Literature, for which he had such a passion, to students in Canada, Taiwan, and the U.A.E. Along with many academic publications he also published novels, short fiction, poetry, and essays in both Canada and Taiwan. Jonathan was a remarkable individual with a beautiful and exuberant spirit. He was a kind, caring, and loving husband, son, and brother. Jonathan was a true and loyal friend to the many souls who had the honour of sharing his journey with him. The family wishes to express love and sympathy to the many people who are left heartbroken by his departure. We must all strive to keep the world brighter to compensate for the loss of his light and to honour his memory.

THIS SPORTING LIFE
for Jonathan Butler

The ball knocked high with consummate skill,
Dead straight for the flag, risen to the pitch,
Of perfection, beyond grasp, out of reach,
A moonshot of the cleat-clogged will,
Winks and will not ever settle down.

In the shadow beneath,
A clapboard city cuffed by the brute Atlantic,
And a young man exercised by fate,
Testing the air with fledged wings,
To follow where his thought has flown.
-David Gravender

Donations in his memory may be made to the library of one’s choice in recognition of Jonathan’s love of literature. Visitation to be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, Freshwater Road on Monday, January 21st from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Celebration of Jonathan’s life will be held at the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, January 22nd at 1 pm. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carnells.com.