Ethereal Glow

Scene from behind the Butler Brothers pit by Keating Cross Rd.

From military man, to gold miner, to farmer; Captain George Butler laid the groundwork for his family and left a legacy for all to appreciate. The Butlers have a long and integral history on Vancouver Island and particularly in the Central Saanich area. Captain Butler originally came to Central Saanich and was farming when he married his wife Fanny in 1868. He died young, at the age of 51 of consumption.

Fanny lived to the grand old age of 79, supporting herself and her family by giving piano lessons. She was also said to having been one of the first school teachers in the area. History has it that Wally and Claude were twins and when born prematurely in Brentwood in 1911, they were initially kept warm through the oven heat of a woodstove, truly a pioneer beginning.

Butler Brothers is a well-known name in the area providing a wide range of building materials to lower Vancouver Island. Logging and gravel were the mainstays of the business in the 1930’s. They made many innovations to equipment and trucks which enhanced the industry in general. Their off-road log hauler Mark V, believed to be the largest logging truck in the world. This was the final version in a series of prototypes, enormous off-highway trucks locally designed and built for the company in the 1970s and 1980s. Built with a double axle, this truck could haul up to 150 tons of logs.

The brothers who incorporated the company in 1954 were Claude, Wally, Tom and Eric. All grandchildren of the Captain. In fact, great-grandson Brian is at the helm today.

The legacy of the Butlers continues to grow. Claude Butler served as president of the Victoria Flying Club several times over the years. He was a successful businessman, inventor, and a man with many visions. His compassion and generosity knew no bounds.

Today, Butler Brothers Supplies Ltd. has three gravel pits in operation - Keating Cross Road, Sooke and Duncan - and sells ready-mix concrete from Keating Cross Road, Bay Street in Victoria and Sooke.

Butler Brothers Supplies Ltd. continues to grow to meet the needs of Island consumers and to carry on the tradition of quality, integrity and service to Vancouver Island communities.