OBITUARY Basil Aubrey Butcher 1921-2016 Simonside Hills, Northumberland Basil with Anne on Simonside (Butcher collection)
M
ost members will be aware that Basil Butcher (Baz), a founder member of the club, died on the 3rd of February, at the grand age of 95. I attended Basil’s funeral on the 18th February, the eulogies reflected a life well lived and loved, and his coffin was appropriately painted (by neighbour artist Sue Brophy) with alpine meadows leading to mountain peaks and blue skies. The very early details of Basil’s interest in climbing and the mountains are not known, but born in Yorkshire Basil moved as a boy to Newcastle where his father was appointed Station Master. Educated at the RGS, a school which, even in the early thirties, had produced a number of capable, if not expert climbers. In the absence of any formal clubs in the period, it would not be surprising if his interest was stimulated by outdoor activities at school.
Basil trained as an engineer, (taking the opportunity to make karabiners in the workshop!) and by the outbreak of World War two was employed at the Vickers Armstrong works on the Tyne. In a reserved occupation he was employed designing revisions to the turret of the Vickers Light Tank. Exempt from military service he had the opportunity to engage himself in his interests of climbing and mountaineering. 62