Obituary for Jean Thomas Butchart
Jean Butchart was born on September 6, 1996 to Joe and Amy Butchart of Ypsilanti.
He was the treasured youngest child in a family that includes his two sisters, Rose and Maureen. From an early age his love of the natural world was evident, and he harnessed this in his education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis on hydrology. He was excited to put his education to use in Savannah, Georgia, where he used geographical information systems (GIS) to map water bodies and water drainage, and literally opened the floodgates to perform water management. His love of the natural world extended to a love of camping, foraging, gardening, and mushroom-hunting, earning him the affectionate nickname "Nature Boy" among his many friends.
Jean's empathy for others showed in innumerable ways, from the beautiful gifts he crafted for his family, the many spontaneous acts of generosity he performed for his friends, to the generous practical support and wisdom he shared with the trans community.
He was in the midst of combining his love of the natural world and his empathy for others, training to become a teacher. He had a special gift and love for educating middle schoolers and high schoolers, where his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor would no doubt have served him well.
He was killed in an unprovoked attack.
Visitation will be on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at St Mary's Student Parish, 331 Thompson St, Ann Arbor starting at 10 am. Following the mass, lunch will be served in the Newman Hall at St Mary's.
Donations can be given to the Jim Toy Community Center of Ann Arbor.
He was the treasured youngest child in a family that includes his two sisters, Rose and Maureen. From an early age his love of the natural world was evident, and he harnessed this in his education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis on hydrology. He was excited to put his education to use in Savannah, Georgia, where he used geographical information systems (GIS) to map water bodies and water drainage, and literally opened the floodgates to perform water management. His love of the natural world extended to a love of camping, foraging, gardening, and mushroom-hunting, earning him the affectionate nickname "Nature Boy" among his many friends.
Jean's empathy for others showed in innumerable ways, from the beautiful gifts he crafted for his family, the many spontaneous acts of generosity he performed for his friends, to the generous practical support and wisdom he shared with the trans community.
He was in the midst of combining his love of the natural world and his empathy for others, training to become a teacher. He had a special gift and love for educating middle schoolers and high schoolers, where his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor would no doubt have served him well.
He was killed in an unprovoked attack.
Visitation will be on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at St Mary's Student Parish, 331 Thompson St, Ann Arbor starting at 10 am. Following the mass, lunch will be served in the Newman Hall at St Mary's.
Donations can be given to the Jim Toy Community Center of Ann Arbor.