Obituary of Lorraine Francis Butler

Lorraine Francis Butler

Lorraine Butler (nee Morrison) grew up in Melbourne, Australia in what she described as the perfect era and childhood. As part of a musical family, she learning to sing and dance at a young age. In her teenage years, she performed all across Australia, before jumping on a ship in 1964 to travel the world. Landing in Vancouver, she continued her career and married Bob Butler. In addition to performing at various venues throughout BC, Yukon and the US, Lorraine performed in 15 theatre productions; performed at EXPO 86; acted in one episode of the original 21 Jump Street (How I Saved the Senator) and acted in the movie Cousins, where she did a dance scene with Ted Danson. Some of her happiest days were performing as Stella in the Fort Steele theater show with Tink and Judy Robinson (11 seasons) as well as her time performing in Dawson City and Three Valley Gap.

Lorraine made Cranbrook her permanent home in 2001 and quickly became a fixture in the music community. Lorraine was a member of the EKMTA; instrumental in helping organize the East Kootenay Performing Arts Festival; a Symphony of the Kootenays board member and volunteer; and acting and produced plays with the Cranbrook Community Theatre. Right up until her final stay in the hospital Lorraine continued teaching singing lessons. Lorraine’s life was marked by the fine arts with her vibrant personality and love of people, especially her daughters, Julia and Laurie, and their families. Even in her last days, Lorraine loved the many well wishers who came to visit making her feel like “a princess.” Lorraine began attending Knox Presbyterian with Friend Kathleen Duncan and became a member in April 2017. Even though she will be missed by many, Lorraine’s journey here in Cranbrook included a real and personal relationship with Jesus that gives us hope of a reunion.

Lorraine is survived by her two daughters, Julia Butler and Laurie van der Roest (Les), and six grandchildren; Hannah, Duncan and Mckayla, Katrina, Max, and Sophie.

Lorraine was predeceased by her parents Willam Gregory Morrison and Edna Morrison as well as sister Dorreen Morrison.

A Life Celebration will be held at 3 pm on Saturday March 29, 2025 at Knox Presbyterian Church, Cranbrook B.C.

In lieu of flowers please consider giving to one of Lorraine’s favorite charities:

Symphony of the Kootenays Endowment Fund

Cranbrook Community Theatre

CNIB Foundation

BC SPCA East Kootenay

mcphersonfh.com