04/04/2008: "Butch Brightman"

August 17, 1947 - April 1, 2008

On April 1, 2008, “Butch” Brightman passed away peacefully in his home, with his loving wife Patty at his side. Victor E. Brightman was born August 17, 1947 to Edward and Vivian (nee: Drake) Brightman in Kingston, Ontario. As a young man, after completing his apprenticeship as a steel worker he moved to Seattle to accept a position. He spent several years living in the Lynnwood area before leaving for Fairbanks, Alaska to work on the Alaska Pipeline. After 12 years in Alaska, he retuned to the Lynnwood area where worked as a carpenter.

Butch had an interesting and adventuresome life. He played Hockey for the Boston Bruins Farm club, once playing against the famous Bobby Ore. He was a musician in his high school Drum and Bugle Corp and at 17 years old he joined the Canadian Military to be a part of the Military Drum and Bugle Corp. While living in Lynnwood he owned and raced a sprint car on local dirt tracks. He rode many of miles on his Harley with several different clubs.

He loved people and touched many lives in his journeys. He made many trips to the San Juan Islands scuba diving and visiting friends. In 1996 he moved to Friday Harbor to finally settle down. He met Patricia Peterson in May of 2002 and married her on July 12, 2003. She was the love of his life. His passions were fishing, NASCAR and spending time at home on his back deck in the sunshine with his wife and friends. He could often be seen driving around town in his blue pick-up with his dog Toby by his side.

Butch was preceded in death by his father, Edward and his mother, Vivian.
Butch is survived by his wife Patricia Brightman, sister Hazel Brightman and sons Edward (Teddy) Brightman, Anthony Rogers and Robert Brightman. He had three granddaughters, Taylor, Shelby and Sedona, nieces Kim, Heidi and Jennifer and their children.

He always had a big smile and a warm hug for all his friends. He will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, April 12 from 1-3 pm at Elements Hotel & Spa at 410 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, In the Orca Conference Room building B. There is a memorial fund set up for Butch at Islanders Bank.