For more than two decades, Terry Butler was a teacher. But that wasn’t his only role. He was a mentor, athletic director and Detroit Federation of Teachers building representative at Western.
Coach Butler could be seen on the field during practices chatting with the players and coaches, and in the hallways between classes distributing spirit wear and catching up with students.
He was a friend to the students and staff at Western International High School.
His untimely passing this summer was a blow to his Western family, the southwest Detroit community, and to all that he met.
His warm energy could be felt through his daily sports announcements. Each day around 9 a.m., students and staff would look forward to hearing his voice come over intercom announcing, “Good morning Western, these are your announcements from the athletic department.”
Butler was also a dedicated member of the Detroit Federation of Teachers. After spending long hours at school, Butler attended union meetings monthly, often serving as the sergeant of arms.
Butler will be missed. His constant efforts to improve the school for the sake of the students is a legacy that will live on in the heart of the Cowboy Nation.
Patrick Butler, also an English teacher at Western, said: “Terry loved Western. He loved the neighborhood, and he loved the students. And I loved working with him. He made the people around him want to do more, to be better, to leave more than they took.
“I will miss him and the things he did for me, my family and for Western. For that, I am eternally grateful.”
