In 1975, with just two cars and an unshakable dream, Joe and June Butler opened Butler Auto & RV Centre, a family business built on hard work, and genuine care for people. Over the years, their name became synonymous with integrity and expert service in Kamloops. Customers became friends, their staff became family, and the Butlers became a trusted name in our community.
Behind the resounding success of their business was something even greater, a strong belief in giving back. Whether helping a young entrepreneur get started or quietly lending a hand to a family in need, Joe and June always led with generosity.
That spirit of giving grew even stronger after their son Glen faced serious cardiac complications. The care he received at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) left a lasting impression on the family. In 2017, Joe and June made a $200,000 donation to support cardiac care at RIH, determined to ensure other families could access the same level of lifesaving care their son did.
On June 27, 2025, our community said goodbye to a remarkable man, as Joe passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side. To honour his memory and reflect the deep connection their family shares with both the hospital and this community, June has made an incredible $1,000,000 gift to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation.
“When I talked it over with Glen,” June shared, “I decided that rather than leaving this gift in my will, I wanted to make this donation while I am still here to see the incredible difference it will make in my lifetime. This community gave so much to us when we were in business, it just feels right to give back. The greatest joy you can get is giving.”
“This gift will be transformational in helping to address the current and emerging needs of our hospital, supporting the equipment, technology and programs essential to patient care as well as the medical professionals who make that care possible. Above all, this gift is an investment in our community’s well-being, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” shares Heidi Coleman, RIH Foundation CEO.
The Butlers always believed that success should be shared. “When we started out, we built everything from the ground up,” June said. “As our business grew, we were happy to invest in causes that helped people. We’ve always believed that supporting the hospital reaches the greatest number of people because everyone, at some point, relies on it.”
As a tribute to this remarkable gift and their family’s lasting legacy, the RIH Foundation is dedicating a significant public area in our hospital to them. Stay tuned.
The Royal Inland Hospital Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to June, Joe, and Glen Butler for their extraordinary generosity. Their story reminds us that the greatest impact we can make often begins with a simple desire to help others. Because of them, countless patients and families from all over our region will have access to exceptional care, close to home.
Thank you, June, Joe, and Glen. Our community is stronger because of you.