In Memory of HICAP Counselor Jack T. Butler

For the past 15 years, the Alameda County HICAP has had the good fortune to know and work with volunteer counselor Jack Butler. Jack passed away on January 2, 2010, after a battle with cancer, but not before he left hundreds of satisfied HICAP clients in his wake.

A resident of Fremont, California, Jack came to HICAP in 1994 with the calm assurance that he wanted to volunteer as a HICAP Counselor. He had recently retired after 20 years with the Santa Clara County Department of Social Services where he had learned of HICAP. As he went through the initial training course to be registered as a counselor, HICAP Manager Janet Van Deusen knew right away that she had found a gem in Jack. “I knew he was serious about helping others and I felt his confidence about wanting to volunteer. I just didn’t predict how long I would enjoy the value of his service.”

Jack helped many clients, primarily at the Fremont Senior Center, but was always willing to be “on call” for other counseling sites. He also became a Long Term Care Counselor and Community Educator, which are specialized areas within HICAP. With his gentle demeanor and sense of humor, he put clients at ease. With his knowledge and expertise, he helped many seniors and those with disabilities sort their way through their Medicare coverage questions and options.

Earlier in his life, Jack was an ordained priest for the Archdiocese of San Francisco and subsequently served as the head of the Archdiocese in Santa Rosa and as Pastor in Fortuna, California. He later became an active member of Saint Joseph’s Parish in Mission San Jose. After he left the priesthood, he married Faye, his wife of 34 years, who always supported him in his volunteer work.

Fortunately, Jack and Faye were able to attend HICAP’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in June of 2009, where he was presented with his 15-year HICAP pin and certificate from the California Department of Aging. On that occasion Jack said, “I’m glad I’m still alive to be here.” After his passing, a current HICAP counselor, whom Jack mentored, simply said, “He made my life better.”

The Alameda County HICAP is lucky to have been the beneficiary of Jack’s expertise and kindness. On behalf of the people he helped throughout his life, we will always remember Jack with extreme warmth and gratitude. He made all of our lives better.