JASPER DEVANIK BUTTERFIELD

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JASPER DEVANIK BUTTERFIELD

The family are saddened to advise that after a brief illness Jasper Devanik Butterfield passed away at the age of 30, in Calgary, Alberta.
Jasper was a man who knew much pain and disappointment, but went on to create an interesting and meaningful life. Jasper himself would concede, "Whoa, what an amazing trip." Jasper was always happy, and upbeat--a free spirit who took his own counsel, and carved out life on his own terms. He loved adventure, and was bold and determined. Twelve years ago he settled in Calgary, a city he adored and called his home. During his time there he worked briefly, but never found a job that suited his unique personality and ever-vibrant spirit. However, his selfless contributions to, and advocacy for, the downtrodden and homeless were well known. He spoke publicly on their behalf at events and was featured in media productions for them. And while it never paid the rent, it was the work Jasper wanted to do and of which he was the most proud. He mentored and cared for many in his short life. And he tried to make sure that those who wander were not lost.
Jasper was incredibly bright and articulate. At a young age he was able to memorize long sequences of numbers, and the names of every person he met. This latter skill proved essential because whether in Winnipeg or Calgary, Jasper had a remarkable number of friends. He simply loved people. His willingness to give you the shirt off his back, his open heart, his gift of gab, his impeccable manners, and his ever-joyful, exuberant persona, attracted people naturally. His unshatterable loyalty to those he loved and cared for was reciprocated in kind by others who loved him right back.
Jasper grew up in Winnipeg among the lofty elms of Wolseley, surrounded by friendly neighbours and folks who embraced him. In his childhood he relished cabin life, spending long days running in the sand dunes at Grand and Ladybug Beaches, among his cadre of buddies. He was an avid reader and chatterbox, whose large vocabulary would leave many believing that Jasper had expert knowledge of, well, just about everything. Although he wasn't, Jasper once convinced the staff at a well-known Winnipeg cycle shop that he was an expert at servicing and repairing bicycles. One might have held their own opinions on subjects, but it was Jasper's job to correct them. Upon receiving his first guitar, it was obvious he was a talent, although he was largely self-taught. Jasper also taught himself American Sign Language and helped his high school teachers regularly with it. An avid skateboarder he could often be seen at The Forks skatepark in Winnipeg.
As a teenager, and never one to shy away from his own bluster, Jasper would frequently remind family and friends that he was a great guitarist, perhaps the best-ever Bannock maker, skateboarder, parkour-ist, swimmer, diver, and all-around great guy. He brought us much laughter, which he shared in, exaggerating how much air he got skateboarding, or how high the building was that he just climbed. He loved both animals and children, and they were drawn to his gentle nature. He was frequently referred to as the cat whisperer, possessing the ability to attract outdoor felines to his hands for a tender ear scratch. He also mastered uncannily realistic animal calls. His most famous was his dog bark with which he could set off a bevy of nearby (real) dogs howling. His spoken squirrel was flawless.
As he grew older Jasper eschewed material possessions, favouring experiences instead. Save for a decent guitar, skateboard, great pair of sneakers, and food (Gawd, he loved eating), he rated his family and multitude of friends as his most precious possessions. Knowing, loving and really caring for those he met on his journey was the story of his life. He was sooo very compassionate and had an unremitting mellow soul. He was a most lovely son, keeping in touch with family regularly, and always keen to know of the latest developments.
Jasper would want to tell all of his friends and family how much he loved them. He would want to be remembered for his love of music, his great big smile, his fearlessness, and his fabulous laugh. He had lots of besties, and you all know who you are, but his family would specifically like to thank Brandon (the other half of Jasper's pea pod), Viktoria, Patricia, Kodiak and Emmanuel for their expressions of kindness on Jasper's passing.
Jasper was predeceased by his loving grandparents, Tannis and Stan Devanik, and is survived by his parents, Maureen and David, his sister Chantel (Robert) and niece Tannis, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins located across North America, and in particular Jo-Anne and Jim Yacheson, David and Eileen Devanik and Lindsey May.
There will be a number of celebrations held privately and publicly in Calgary by Jasper's friends. The first one will be a balloon launch, with personal notes attached to Jasper, August 20 in Riley Park at 1:30 p.m. Jasper's journey will be celebrated by his family privately.
In lieu of flowers, Jasper would want you to extend an act of kindness to someone who is down on their luck. It's something he did almost every day.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2022