The family requests a donation made in John’s name, in lieu of flowers
John Butcher passed away peacefully on Invasion Day 2025. He is survived by his partner Julie, his son Ben, Ben's partner Sylvie, and his brother and sister Peter and Marie.
John was a tireless advocate for peace, social justice and the environment, especially the Cooks River.
The family invite you to make donation on behalf of John to support the work of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders). Médecins Sans Frontières responds to emergencies and disasters, and provides help those in greatest need, no matter where they are. Your memorial donation will be used to continue the work of Médecins Sans Frontières in countries all over the world.
Friends, family and comrades are invited to celebrate John’s life at a public memorial to be held on Wednesday 5th February, overlooking the Cooks River, at the Cooks River Rowers Club, 1 Levey St, Wolli Creek. The memorial will be held at 11am-12.30pm, followed by refreshments.
The Cooks River Rowers Club is next to Cahill Park, and has lots of parking. It is a 10 minute walk from Wolli Creek train station, or 20 minutes walk from Tempe Train Station - along the Cooks River that John loved so much. Nearby bus routes include the 422 and 348.
No gifts or flowers please. The family requests donations made in John’s name, in lieu of any gifts or flowers. Dress – However you like. Political t-shirts encouraged. For more information please contact Sylvie on 0403 977 213.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$211
Jean Brennan
$211
Donald Ellsmore
In fond memory of John, who lived a principled life and lead by example
$211
Marjory Ellsmore
$211
Jennifer Kent
In memory of a remarkably kind man who always acted in a highly principled manner.
$158.25
Peter And Karen Dixon
$158.25
In Memorium John Butcher From The Crva
To acknowledge John Butcher
$105.50
Amy Croft
$105.50
Hangyoung Lee
Dear Ben, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. May your father's soul rest in peace, and I want to express my deep empathy for the causes that meant so much to your father in his life.
$105.50
Gareth Wreford
$105.50
Anonymous
$105.50
Jimmy Jones
$105.50
Sam Walker
Vale to an intelligent, kind man who worked tirelessly for the Goolay'yari River and its community. He wanted one day for us all to be able to swim in the river - thanks to his efforts, one day that will happen. Thank you, John.
$105.50
Mary Anne Veliscek
Dear Julie, Ben, Sylvie, with appreciation for John's life and contributions. I celebrate with you the way he touched the earth and his fellow travellers.
$105.50
Beth, Greg, Cyna And Huw
$105.50
Bernard Carey
$105.50
Georgia & Rosie
$105.50
Anonymous
$100
Pat Walsh
$100
Justine Langford
In appreciation of John and all that he gave.
$100
Sue Castrique
Vale John Butcher.
$60
Marie Butcher
$52.75
Branch Committee, Nteu University Of Sydney
$52.75
Jonathan Edwards
$52.75
Catherine Turner
Thanks for all your work in pursuit of a better world John. Love to Ben, Sylvie and Julie.
$52.75
Julie Foreman
Thank you John for a life well lived
$42.20
Anna-jane Harding
$42.20
Nick Tesoriero
In memory of John , who taught me a lot, including the history of my union, and how to clear a room of teenagers with songs of Irish love and struggle, and who gave me plenty of chuckles. xx Nick
$42
Sally Mitchell
$40
Mike Aldridge
John's committed himself to many justice issues and to improving our environment especially around the Cooks River.
$31.65
George Casilieris
RIP Good soldier.
$31.65
Bronwyn Lee
$31.65
Thank you John for all you did, and encouragement you gave. Love and sympathy to Julie, Ben, and Sylvie