TRIBUTE
Michael Butler, on one of his string of ponies, during a polo match.
Retrospective of
MICHAEL BUTLER BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BUTLER FAMILY, OAK BROOK POLO CLUB AND OAK BROOK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
M
ichael Butler, famed producer of the musical “Hair,” passed away peacefully on November 7, 2022, in Los Angeles, CA. He was born on November 26, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, to Paul Butler and Marjorie von Stresenreuter Butler. He grew up on a farm called
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Natoma, which would later become part of Oak Brook. As the grandson and son of the founders of Oak Brook Polo Club, he and his sister Jorie Butler Kent managed the club for several years in the ’60s and ‘70s. Butler invited His Majesty King Charles III (then HRH. Prince Charles) to Oak Brook in 1986
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at which time His Majesty served as captain of the British team. Butler was a champion-caliber polo player who traveled the world to compete in matches. His interest in athletics led him to active participation in many sports beyond polo, including tennis and yachting. With his many connections and
