Dr Anthony Gordon Butler

'Ginger'

22nd July 1943 - 27th April 2012

It is will a heavy heart that I have to inform you that my beloved husband, father and grandfather, godfather and friend has died and gone to pastures new.

When Ginger first came across Dystonia, when he met me, there were only around 100 people diagnosed with Dystonia throughout the whole country. During the period of his epidemiology study and partly through his efforts to publicise the condition, he had nearly 3,000 people in his study who had been diagnosed with all types of Dystonia in the North East alone, making his study one of the largest of this type, not only in the UK, but throughout the world. He was very proud of his research and was a regular speaker throughout Europe and even in America. He was regarded an expert in his field and very proud to be called Dr Butler as a result of the research he so strongly believed in.

I assure you his research will continue. As I am not cleared by the powers that be, I cannot touch it, but I will keep you informed about developments.

After being diagnosed with heart problems, Ginger was admitted to James Cook Hospital for a triple heart bypass operatoin and an insertion of a stent. After an operation on Thursday 26th April that took longer than anticipated, Ginger's right ventricle failed to work properly. He never regained consciousness and slipped away very peacefully on Friday 27th April at 10.15am. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and leaves a big hole in our family with which we are, day-by-day, learning to cope.

Ginger led an extraordinary life with a hugely varied career from being a founder member of the North Devon Jazz Club and becoming a professional musician to being a surveyor and business consultant. His lifelong interest in education led to various degrees including finally his PhD in Dystonia from Newcastle University.

At 2pm on Saturday 2nd June there will be a Celebration of Ginger's life at St Theresa's Church, Harris St, Darlington DL1 4NL. Everyone is welcome to attend: please let the office know if you will be attending and wish to stay for the reception (0191 4777700).

As Ginger wasn't particularly traditional in some ways, we would like to request smart/casual clothes in bright colours. No flowers please. Donations to ADDER Ginger Butler Research Fund.

A follow up article will be published in due course.

Mrs Verona Butler