Kent Butler, loving husband, and father, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 at age 76, after fighting numerous health issues.
Kent was born Aug. 3, 1944 in Gunnison, Utah to William Butler and Barbara Turnbough, along with his three loving siblings Russ Butler, Duane Butler and Barbara Turnbough. He leaves behind his adored wife of 37 years Sharon Butler, along with daughters Tina Butler, Tracy Butler, Berit Evans and grandchildren Heather Blackshire, Bradly Blackshire, Tyler Evans and little Cody Evans.
Kent and Sharon met in Ojai, California in 1982. They started a great life together creating The Art Workshop and Gallery. Sharon was the light of Kent’s whole world and the color in all his paintings. They had many great adventures, traveling as a couple, mostly going to see family in South Africa. These trips abroad were their most cherished memories together. Kent was a loving family man with strong morals and convictions.
Kent began his art career at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, California. Kent’s experience during this period propelled his passion for art and allowed his amazing talents to shine. He was best known for his extraordinary use of color. His work is well represented in both the United States and internationally.
Kent was a member of the Ojai Studio Artists Tour since 1987. His artwork was on the very first Ojai Day Poster and on numerous Ojai phonebook covers, the pieces of art depicted the Ojai Valley that he loved so much. Kent’s artistic talent was shared with many in galleries and shows all over the west coast, including Ojai’s own Primavera Gallery. Kent participated in the well-known Peppertree Ranch Art Show in the Santa Ynez Valley and he was a concept artist for NBC Studios, Los Angeles. In 2020, Kent was going to be honored by “Focus of the Masters” but do to COVID-19, it was postponed.
Kent loved to be outside, hiking and being part of nature were some of his favorite past times. He was a wonderful photographer and enjoyed taking photos on his hike in the beautiful Ojai Valley. His Topa Topa Mountain and amazing oak tree paintings were what he was best known for. Kent was a pillar of the Ojai community, donating numerous paintings, one place being the Ojai Valley Hospital and Continuing Care Center, brightening the halls for all to enjoy. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
The family is doing a small remembrance of life to celebrate the life of an amazing man. Kent will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to donate in loving memory of Kent Butler to: The Brain Injury Center of Ventura, PO Box 1477, Camarillo, CA 93011-3687.
