Honoring John Butruille’s Lasting Impact at MEND

Gracious.

Kind.

Humble.

Didn’t toot his own horn.

These are the words his friends used to describe John Butruille, who passed away in May. Despite his humble nature, John’s presence in the Leavenworth community was larger than life.

In addition to the many ways they have supported the Upper Valley community, John and his wife Susan have also been committed MEND supporters for more than two decades.

John retired from the U.S. Forest Service as the Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region in 1992. He was involved in a number of humanitarian causes all over the world after his retirement. He and Susan moved to Leavenworth in 2005.

A generous force of nature

John loved his family, attending as many of his grandchildren’s events as he could. He loved walking in the woods, and spent most Wednesday mornings having coffee with his friends, a group of men who called themselves the Brain Trust.

Originally started 25 years ago, the Brain Trust’s membership has changed but the nature of the group has not. Mostly a chance to just chat and catch up, the members also offer much-needed support to each other and the community.

The 2019 Brain Trust Wednesday morning coffee group, from left to right: Don Schaechtel, John Butruille, John Schramm, John Agnew (red sweater), Alan Whittemore, Buford Howell, Richard D-Litzenberger, Bill Jenkins, Patrick Murphy.

Now, every member of the Brain Trust—which is now about 10 men—has somehow been involved with MEND. They have participated through donations, volunteering, or legacy giving—sometimes all three. In fact, many of the Brain Trust men were part of a group MEND called on when they needed help with a special project, such as building additional storage space behind the Community Cupboard. The group would show up, get the work done, and mostly donate their time, said Richard D-Litzenberger.

“John had the advantage of being the tall guy and the rest of us were short guys,” says Richard. “John would show up to help and he was so tall he wouldn’t have to get on the ladders.”

As soon as John and Susan moved to Leavenworth, they joined the Faith Lutheran Church—one of churches instrumental in MEND’s formation—and started supporting MEND themselves.

When John Butruille joined the Brain Trust, he fit right in.  “He never bragged about what he accomplished. He did a lot, but I don’t know about all of it because he never talked about it,” said Richard.

Although John had to slow down in recent years as his health deteriorated, John and Susan continued their support for MEND through monthly donations. He continued to read extensively and spend as much time with his family and friends as he could.

“If you’re a person who’s really interested in other people—not self-centered—you naturally want to share your life with others,” said John Schramm, another one of John Butruille’s friends. He was also part of the MEND project group and the Brain Trust. “That’s how John was.”

In addition to the Brain Trust coffee group, many of the same men were part of a poker night John went to as well.

“I think in the last years, besides reading and family, having these groups helped him,” said Richard.

John’s legacy lives on in the people he helped and loved. For his friends and family, that means memories and stories.

“He was a very good friend and I miss him,” said John Schramm.

For MEND, that includes the Cupboard shoppers and others who have benefited from John’s volunteer work and are helped by his and his wife’s monthly donations.

“John was a genuinely warm, kind, and compassionate presence who will be deeply missed,” says MEND Human Services Director Bob Mark. “He contributed to countless efforts over the years—always ready to lend a hand wherever it was needed, and often bringing a welcome sense of humor along the way. This dedication reflects the true spirit of community that has helped make the Cupboard such a vital and welcoming place. John’s steady involvement was an important part of the Cupboard’s growth and evolution, and the impact of his contributions will be felt for many years to come.”