If you only had 12 hours to live: Good job, Stephen

[FCTP]

 

Many of you might have heard that Stephen Butters, the Office Manager for the local GOP headquarters, passed away in his sleep last night.  He was only 29 years old.

 

Stephen was a kind and gentle man who wanted to serve others.  He hated conflict (even though he was in politics) and he had a huge desire to ensure everyone was comfortable in a group environment.  His demeanor was professional and service-oriented and he loved to have fun.

 

I got a phone call today that Stephen had passed away.  I was stunned.  He was way too young and his parents are struggling with their loss.  

 

When I hung up the phone from the alert to Stephen's death, I was reminded of my last correspondence with him.  He sent me a message telling me he would be sending out a message about our local Tea Party Rally to the Right today and he was excited about it.  That message came yesterday afternoon at 5:34 PM.  

 

Twelve hours later, Stephen was gone.

 

Stephen is in heaven and enjoying the fruits of his short life.  He worked hard for what he believed in.  He was a good soul.  He made you feel good about yourself.  He left the room a better place.

 

In honor of Stephen Butters and his very short life here on earth, please take each day and live it as if you only had 12 hours to live.  Can you imagine if we all lived that way?  

 

I have no bad feelings about Stephen and I venture to say - not too many people do.  

 

He did good and his life here on earth should be a testimony to all of us that Life is short and we should make a difference while we're here.  

 

Stephen did and I'm sure as he entered heaven sometime in the early hours of this morning, he heard "Good job, Stephen, welcome to heaven.  Your job on earth is done."

 

Rest in peace, Stephen Butters.  You did good!

 

 

[sabrina Wheeler]

You are a gifted communicator Billie and no finer eulogy could have been written for this talented and passionate young man. I met Stephen once and he was as everyone describes. Let's do as someone suggested, in honor of Stephen, dedicate our conviction to conservative values and victory in 2012!

[JIM MC CORMACK]

Terrible news.. Prayers to him and family...

[Raymond Johnson]

I was truly sadened to hear of this, and I agree with Mrs Tucker, Stephen worked hard and even though he was working in campaigns and politics he was always kind and never acted in a unkind way. He was always very kind and professinal, kind of quite and soft spoken but very smart in the group settings I was with him. This is the saddest and most tragic thing I have experienced in the almost 10 years I have been involved in the local GOP. May God bless his family and our local GOP and Tea party family as well. We will miss him.

[JL Gawlik]

Sending thoughts and prayers to his family, love ones, friends and to all the people he touched in his short life here on earth.

[DC Belle on Wheels]

Oh, Billie...this is the second loss of this sort that I've heard of in the last 24 hours.  Even if we cannot see God's hand in this, but we can trust His heart, thankfully.  I will be praying for you, for his family, for the GOP crew down there as y'all move forward. Please email me at [e-mail] if I can do anything at all.

[Patricia M. McBride]

I was shocked Billie.  He was the nicest young man who was willing to do about anything for anyone with a smile on his face.  I still can hardly believe this fine young man passed away.