Livonia: At age 66, Butch passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at Suzanne’s Comfort Care in Perry, NY. He was born in Derby, CT to the late Harold and Millie Thomen. Butch is predeceased by his sister; Cheryl Payne, who he loved so much. Survived by his beloved wife of 41 years; Marcia M. Thomen, his daughter; Marianne (Tony) Swearingen, and his brothers; Roy (Debbie) Thomen and Gordon Thomen, along with his nephews; Gordon and Michael Payne
Butch grew up in Seymour, CT and moved to Rochester, NY when he was 17 years old. He started his lifelong career as a heavy equipment operator with Monroe Tree. Butch specialized in disaster cleanup and pipeline clearing. He worked to help restore power after 11 hurricanes, 2 tornadoes and 1 ice storm. After 44 years of faithful service Butch retired from Terry Tree. Butch did find time for some fun, he enjoyed mudding and was a huge historic military buff. He always enjoyed a good joke or prank at someone else’s expense. Butch will be greatly missed, but will be remembered with a smile.
A graveside service will take place privately at Oaklawn Cemetery in West Sparta, NY. Memorial Contributions can be made to: James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Ave # 704, Rochester NY, 14642 or to: Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com.
You were one of a kind. In the time that I knew you, you were funny, sarcastic, and just plain awesome. Though the years fell in between us, the memories will always be there… Fly high with the Angels. RIP Butch.. always and forever…..
RIP Butch. We had lots of good times!
I remember meeting Butch as a little kid… I didn’t know quite what to think of this character named “Butch”. I’d never met anybody named Butch before. I was a little intimidated. Then he smiled. That was all it took. The man’s smile was contagious and his laugh infectious. Over the following 10 years, or so, many a day was spent in his presence and, though I’m certain he had his days, I can’t recall ever seeing him angry. All I saw was a man who loved his wife and daughter more than anything, and a man who worked as hard as he played. He was an inspiration to this little kid. Butch’s passing is a monumental loss, but I can still see that huge smile of his… I’ll hold on to that.
He was a great guy sorry for loss my deepest condolences
I spent plenty weeks with Butch out of town for storm clean up and land clearing! Great operator and good fellow employee!
One job was on long island with Tom, Zippy, Jim, Butch and me! 12 hrs a day and 7 days! Great memories
My thoughts and prayers for the family. Butch was a great guy and I have lots of fond memories of days gone by. Love and hugs to all.
(Mary Gibson)
We are so sorry for your loss. I know how much your father meant to you. You and Tony and your mother are in our prayers.