BELFAST — Stanley Moody Butler passed peacefully July 21, 2019, at Harbor Hill Center in Belfast.

He was born August 3, 1927, in Northport, Maine, son of Charles and Marion (Hodgdon) Butler. He left high school early in order to enter the Navy during World War II. After the war, he sailed as a merchant marine. He then spent time working in Connecticut, where he discovered his talent for skeet shooting and baseball.

After some time in Old Town, Maine, he eventually returned to Belfast, where various jobs led to self-employment as a house painter. He was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, and the Freemasons. He loved nature (especially birds), fishing, people, food, and photography. He was well-known for his detailed storytelling.

Stan was an environmentalist, as well as a self-taught naturalist and wildlife photographer. He was an organic gardener long before it was popular. He was also a lifelong member of the Democratic Party.

Along with his wife, Marge, he was a volunteer at Tall Pines Health Care Facility for many years, where his animal slide shows were very popular with residents and staff.

He will be missed by a loving family and many friends and acquaintances, including the kind staff at Harbor Hill.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother and best friend, Albert; his sisters, Betty, Irene, and Charlotte; his first wife and mother of his oldest daughter, Jean (Boucher) Butler; his wife of 47 years and mother of his youngest daughter, Marjorie (Simmons) Butler; and a beloved granddaughter, Melissa Jo Vosburgh.

Surviving family members include stepson, Paul Vosburgh and partner Becky; stepson, Charles Vosburgh and wife Mari; daughter, Judith Anaman and former husband Tony; daughter, Marian Butler and husband Gary Skigen; grandchildren, Kimberly (Vosburgh) Nardone and husband Dennis, Nathan and Samantha Anaman, and Patric Skigen, as well as nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

The family will hold an informal memorial service August 3, at 1 p.m., at the Simmons Family Cemetery.

To honor Stanley, in lieu of flowers or donations, please smile at people, enjoy your food, spend time in nature, and do something positive to help preserve the natural world that he loved so much.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com