Arthur Wayne Abbott
September 24, 1955 – May 16, 2022
Arthur “Butch” Abbott was accomplished at many things in life; A son, a brother, a husband, a father and a friend. He was equally dedicated to his loves in work and play, an avid fisherman, woodsman, gardener, camper, hunter. He was salty and sweet, a fun-loving spirit. He passed away peacefully yet unwillingly on May 16, 2022 at 67, fighting his cancer heroically and bravely to the bitter end.
Art was born to James and Patsy Abbott on September 24, 1955 and lived most of his 67 years less than a half mile from the family homestead. A large and loving extended family bestowed on him the respect and confidence to grow into a great man. He met his future partner in adventures and life, his wife Kathy, in 1980. They had two boys who joined with their bonus daughter to form their family. Coaching baseball, fishing, hunting and gathering, boating, camping and hiking the Pacific Northwest woods were all family favorites. Art’s MacGyvering skills are legendary - duct tape, glue and screws could fix most anything.
Butch went to work with his dad after finishing school. He learned quickly that he loved working in the woods and with machinery. It was exciting, fun and rewarding. Always smiling and ready for a good time, he made lifelong friends in the many crews he worked with. He was blessed to work in many extraordinary locations and had many stories to share. As a family we shared in these amazing spots in the PNW and learned to love his jobs as well.
Later, Art joined Kathy and they worked together, distributing books for Orca Book Publishers of Victoria, B.C. For over 11 years, along with dogs Dewey and Leo, they worked and played equally hard, side by side. Road trips, gardens, pigs and books filled their days. It was the simple things in life that pleased him most in these years.
Butch is survived by his wife Kathy of 38 years; daughter Caralee Abbott; sons Kasey (Breanna) and Jacob. His mother Patsy Abbott; sisters Lorraine Sterk and Jill Nymeyer; bBrothers-in-law Gene Sterk and Joe Nymeyer. Special Moritz cousins Mike, Mark, Matt and Jana. Nine grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who all learned about the ‘stink eye’ from their Uncle Butch. He was preceded in death by his father, James Abbott.
There will be a celebration of his life Sunday, June 19, 2022 at the Custer Gun Club. 3000 Birch Bay Lynden Road, Custer, at 1-5 p.m. and family potluck. This will be an informal affair, please feel free to wear your favorite camo, flannel, or Seahawks attire and share your favorite memories and Art/Butch-isms. Sharing will start around 2 p.m.
