Rowland Millar Butler
May 4, 1939 - February 14, 2017
The fiinal curtain has been drawn for Rowland Millar Butler; father, entertainer, teacher, mentor to many and friend to everyone. Rowland was born May 4, 1939, and passed away on February 14, 2017. He was preceded in death by his mother Florence; father Arvid; and son Jason. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Butler; son Brandon A. Butler; grandsons Gabriel and Samuel; and step-children Heather, Shawn, Christie, and Wendell.
Rowland fell in love with dance at a very young age. He began dancing at the age of six, and taught dance till almost the very day he passed. He toured as a guest instructor and performer in the United States, South America, and Asia. He was one of the charter members of Ballet West and the Utah Ballet. He was an Assistant Professor of Ballet and Theater at the University of Utah, and resident Choreographer at Pioneer Memorial theater for 18 years. He was the owner and operator of Butler Dance Academy for 3 decades, where he taught tap, ballet and Jazz, to hundreds, if not thousands of students. His students have performed on and off Broadway, such as Cats, A Chorus Line and Les Miserable; in movies such as Footloose, and For the Boys; T.V; in Las Vegas; and various road companies
In his retirement, he went on to teach at various Public schools, continuing his commitment to the arts by developing programs for Arts Education. He was the first Professional to be awarded an Eminence Teaching Certification from the Utah State Board of Educations in June of 2005. Rowland spent his entire 77 years of life dedicated to bringing joy, and to bettering the lives of others' through dance, and by just being himself. Rowland was beloved by many, and loving each of them in return with all he could give.
A Celebration of Rowland's life will be held at the Marriott Center for Dance on February 26th 2017 at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of Flowers please make donations to the Rowland Butler Memorial Fund, https://www.youcaring.com/rowlandbutler-751294/ update/601580?fb_action_ids=1419837664702520&fb_action_ types=youcaringcom%3Apost.
In Loving Memory
My sincere condolences go out to your family. We do miss our loved ones dearly and long for the time when we will see them again. The Bible says:��"Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out" (John 5:28,29). The Bible promises that we have the hope of seeing again our loved ones who have passed, not in heaven, but right here on a paradise Earth, where all will live forever! Please visit JW.org for more information.-NLS
NLS
Orlando, FL
My sincere condolences to Brandon, Jen , Leslie and the rest of the kids . Rowland is a one of a kind so loving and caring to all that came in contact with him . I loved visiting Holladay to see Aunt Florence and Uncle Arvid cause I knew I also would get to see Cousin Rowland and all of his kids and sweet wife . Our Millar family parties were so fun when we could count on seeing one another as well . So sad that once our elder members such as My grandpa Leland and your Grandma Florence passed cause it seems that the family just lost touch . You all are in my continued thoughts and prayers and I have enjoyed talking to Brandon through Facebook with updates and information. I hope we don't lose touch and we can get together very soon after Celebrating the life of Rowland .. You all are so luck that you had many wonderful years and so many more loving memories .. I love you all and I am here if you should need anything ..
Tammy A Jenkins
Spanish fork, UT
The name Rowland Butler brings a smile to my face and a joy over comes me! He would guest teach at my mothers studio, Colleen Collins Smith Performing Arts.When I was eight years old, he brought what I knew as the toe shoe bus to Provo. I pleaded with my Mom to get me toe shoes, there was a pair that just fit. That night was the best night ever, My point shoes!! He gave us great dances to perform: 'Me and the Mirror', 'Come follow the Band', 'Jellie's Last Jam', 'Famous Feet', and a favorite, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy'. I now teach,choreograph and perform. This week I would like to teach Yankee Doodle Dandy to my students. Dance is tradition the passing of knowledge from one artist to the next...not something you can learn out of a book. Rowland inspired me to be better, do more, and Dance Just Dance! I love you Rowland and Thank you. Your knowledge and choreography will live on! Gina Smith Hatch Orlando Florida
Gina Smith Hatch
Orlando, Fl
Rowland is the reason my daughter learned to love ballet again. He encouraged her when she had lost confidence. She truly admired, respected, and loved him!
HAA
Riverton, UT
Rowland Butler was like a second dad to me when I was growing up. I have many fond memories of the dance studio and clothing shop as well as spending time at their house and playing with Jennifer. I always think of Rowland when I smell pipe tobacco. He was a wonderful person, a fantastic dancer and teacher. He will be greatly missed!
Daisy (Lee) Richardson
Murray, Ut
Happy trails Rowland...the many years of dance instruction and mentoring I received taught me more about myself and who I wanted to be than you know. Thank you for being hard on me and pushing me to do better when I needed it the most!! You will be missed!
Michele Brewer
West Jordan, UT
I only discovered that Rowland had passed on April 2. I always enjoyed his warm and friendly personality. He was a good friend to both my husband, Jim, and I as he helped us set up our dance supply business in Provo. He was always a delight to perform with in our early ballet careers. So sorry for your loss. May you have peace in knowing that he indeed lived a great life!
Sandra Birch Allen
Provo, UT
I just learned of Rowlands passing.... Rowland was my first dance teacher... His parents had built him a studio by their home. I was three when I started and continued with private lessons untill he left on his mission.The lessons he taught me I have never forgotten and I still use what he taught me to stay limber.Ive such a soft spot in my heart for him.I loved holding onto to his his finger which he held above me while I would twirl.learning to spot.For me they was never an instructor that measured up up to him... Such fond memories. I loved this man he was always so gentle kind and patient... He will be missed...
Karrie Katherine Mason Clark
Provo, Ut