So long, Skip. Retired teacher, legendary shoe salesman leaves a legacy of thoughtfulness
There’s no question that Skip Butler was a people person.
Butler, who retired in November 2022 from the Tacoma Mall Macy’s store after 52 years selling women’s shoes, also was well-known through generations of kids he taught in his sixth-grade class at Saint Patrick Catholic School in Tacoma.
He held the jobs simultaneously for decades, interacting with a large segment of Tacoma’s population before retiring from Saint Patrick in 2014 and Macy’s in 2022.
Butler died Jan. 7 at age 76 following complications from a stroke in December.
Saint Patrick announced Butler’s death Monday on its Facebook page, which drew many former students to offer memories and condolences recalling him for his work as a teacher, a runner and shoe salesman.
“What a legend,” wrote one. “The sixth grade runs down to Garfield Park for PE and the candy bar jump contests, he was the best of the best.”
“I even still have my notebook with all of his quotes as well as our Pacers homeroom picture memory book,” wrote another. “I also have fond memories of visiting him while he was working at Macy’s. I’m devastated.”
“I think every lady in Tacoma knew him as the shoe guy,” wrote another. “Then we discovered how incredible a teacher he was. There will only be one Skip, a true rock star.”
Butler suffered a stroke Dec. 10 “and just could not recover due to the severity,” according to Marquelle Butler, who is married to Butler’s son, PJ.
“I was a former student and grew up with his son, PJ,” she told The News Tribune via email. “The family is in shock over our loss.”
Sarah Boyd, who teaches fifth grade at Saint Patrick, told The News Tribune via email, “Skip Butler was a beloved part of the Saint Patrick Catholic School community for 40 years.”
Butler retired from his position as a sixth-grade teacher in 2014, and the school’s gym was later named after him, Boyd noted.
“In addition to teaching sixth grade, Skip was also known for leading students on runs to nearby parks,” she wrote. “Skip was an avid runner who ran daily; anyone who has lived in the area for any length of time has seen Skip running the streets of Tacoma!”
Boyd, also was a former student of Butler’s, recalled his dedication to his students and teaching.
“He kept student work over the years and returned it to former students years later,” she told The News Tribune. “Skip embodied the values of Saint Patrick Catholic School and leaves behind a rich legacy that will not soon be forgotten.”
The News Tribune profiled Butler in November 2022 when he retired from Macy’s. His retail career there started Sept. 23, 1970, back in The Bon Marche days.
“Our society is becoming impersonal and really fast-paced,” he said. “And, you know, sometimes just taking that time with people is so important.”
Macy’s representatives responding to a request for comment told The News Tribune on Tuesday that they were “deeply saddened by the loss of our longtime colleague and dear friend.”
In an emailed statement, they added, “He made a lasting impact by serving generations of customers” at the Tacoma Mall store. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” they added.
Butler was asked in 2022 what he would do on his first day of retirement, and he told The News Tribune that he preferred to stay active.
“I don’t stay inside, I go outside. You know, wake up, do an extra workout and then go for a run and then start working in the yard and maybe go out and get a cup of coffee later on in the afternoon.”
He never lost his passion for running, according to friends and family. Marquelle Butler noted he was seen running the morning of his stroke.
Butler’s family, in a statement, told The News Tribune via email, “His legacy will live for generations to come whenever people gather to talk Tacoma education, women’s shoes, or running. As his children, we are so very proud of his profound impact.”
Skip Butler’s funeral mass is set for 11 a.m. Jan. 16 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 1123 N. J St., Tacoma, followed by a celebration of his life from noon to 3 p.m. at Saint Patrick Catholic School in the Skip Butler Gymnasium, 1112 N. G St., Tacoma.
The News Tribune archives contributed to this report.
This story was originally published January 10, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
