The De La Salle Scout Group would like to confirm the sad death of former Unit Leader Liam Butler (64) who passed away on the morning of the 19th November. For decades Liam Butler’s name and face were synonymous with De La Salle and he served us and Scouting in numerous positions over the years including as Assistant Unit Leader from 1987 and as Unit Leader from 1995 to 1997.
Liam was part of the leadership team of De La Salle’s first Macaoimh Gasra (now the 3rd Cub Pack) in 1966 and went on to lead the 7th Macaoimh when it was set up in 1967 until the 80s. In the early 70s he also spearheaded the establishment of our first brick hut at Faithlegg, Co. Waterford and he led many further building developments at Faithlegg in the years that followed. As both Assistant Unit Leader and Unit Leader he oversaw and led many changes and developments in De La Salle but most importantly he was never far from the youth, spirit and craic of the group. Whether it was annual camp, mass parades, St. Patrick’s Day, Unit weekends in Faithlegg, Regional competitions, the Melvin, a Macaoimh or Scout trip to anywhere, a late night sing song or half way up a mountain on a leader’s weekend, Liam was there.
In May 1998 Liam was awarded the Silver Wolfhound.
Liam was quite simply one of the great leaders, characters and scouts of De La Salle. His passion, thoughtfulness, energy and good humour were an example and inspiration to all that came in contact with him. We will share many good, funny and fond memories of him in the coming days.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many close friends at this very sad time.
Farewell to one of the great Scouts.
