Dr Vernon Butt – Freeman of Abingdon

It is with much sadness and great regret that I am writing to inform you that Dr Vernon Butt has passed away at the age of 97.  

Vernon was a Town Councillor from 1991 to 2003 and was Mayor during the civic year 1996/1997, having served as Deputy Mayor to Cllr Jim Halliday the previous year. He was also a Vale of White Horse District Councillor, serving as Chairman of the Vale from 2000 to 2002. Vernon was elected as a Freeman of the Town in July 2003. Vernon served also served the community as  a governor of Abingdon School and a founder governor of Long Furlong Junior School.  He had been associated with St Michael’s Church since 1958,  President of Abbey Brass, Honorary President of Abingdon Artists and he contributed to the work of the Abingdon & District Citizens’ Advice Bureau through the Trustee Board and the Friends.

Vernon had a long and distinguished academic career, obtaining a PhD at Bristol University and being elected to a Fellowship of Pembroke College Oxford in 1965, where he was a lecturer in biological science and for a number of years had the role of deputy to the head of the College (Master).  He was an Emeritus Fellow of Pembroke and continued research in to his nineties.

There is of course much more which could be said of Vernon. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.  He was a very humble person with a strong Christian faith.  He was a friendly, hard working councillor with a good sense of humour and a sharp mind who brought his many talents to us in the Council Chamber and beyond.   

He leaves a widow, Glynne, who I have spoken with to express condolences. 

Obviously these are very difficult times and the funeral itself will be necessarily strictly limited in terms of numbers.  However I would anticipate that there will be a memorial/ thanksgiving service at a later date, when circumstances permit.

Nigel Warner, Town Clerk