“A man of great loyalty”: Glenorchy stalwart Phillip Butler remembered

A community icon has been remembered as a passionate, loyal and selfless advocate whose legacy will live on in many different ways.

• Which Hobart suburbs have the cheapest rents right now?
• Major music festival returns dropping a huge line-up

GLENORCHY community stalwart Phillip Butler has been remembered as a passionate and selfless advocate whose legacy will live on in many different ways.

The 66-year-old passed away suddenly on Sunday.

Mr Butler was an Order of Australia recipient for service to the community of Glenorchy, chairman of aged care provider OneCare and Glenorchy Ratepayers Association president.

The 2011 Glenorchy Citizen of the Year had been part of numerous committees and community groups in the education, aged care and local council sectors over the past 45 years.

He was also a member of the Tasmanian Police Force for 25 years and was described in a family obituary as “a man of unfailing determination who valued family, friends and the community above all.”

Phillip Butler OAM

Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston said Mr Butler had been a strong advocate for the city which he “lived, breathed and loved."

“He was a man of great loyalty, commitment to his local community and he was selfless, he continued to put his community and those around him first over and above himself she said.

“His legacy will live on – we can look around and see the great things he’s done for our community whether it's the protection and management of St Matthews Church, the new wonderful schools at the northern end of our city or the thriving Montrose Bay High and his involvement with their parents and friends association."

The Police Association of Tasmania extended its condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of retired Mr Butler, who remained a member of the Retired Police Association until his passing.

Phil Butler OAM

“He was much-respected by his colleagues and the general public throughout his career,” PAT president Colin Riley said.

The board and management of OneCare also extended their sympathies to the Butler family.

“It was a great privilege for us to have Phil involved in the governance of OneCare for the past 17 years, displaying tireless leadership and expertise,” OneCare said in a statement.

“He played a significant role in the amalgamation of the Umina Park Nursing Home and the St Luke’s Association to form OneCare.

“Phil was well known and respected for his significant community achievements throughout Tasmania.”