Charlie Butterworth: Volunteer Firefighter, Avid Blacksmith Welder, and Creator of the ‘Toilet Worm’

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Charlie Butterworth

On Tuesday, March 19th, 2019, Charlie Butterworth passed peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends, with the sound of geese and frogs outside as his own private orchestra at home in Arcata. He had told the people around him in his last days that he would like his obituary to say that he died at 4:20 PM (this is not correct, but spread the rumor! It would make him laugh.)

Charlie was born to parents Charles Milo Butterworth II and Helen Jo Butterworth on July 10th, 1947 in South Bend, Indiana. His father was in the military, so Charlie spent his youth moving around quite a bit. He grew up in England, Germany, Spain, and Florida as the oldest of six siblings. His siblings recall how Charlie made up elaborate stories to, as he put it, “whip them into shape.” The most infamous of these stories is the “toilet worm”, a character brewed up in the recesses of Charlie’s mind that apparently bites children’s tushes as they sit on the toilet.

Despite creating myths like the “toilet worm” as a joke to scare his siblings, Charlie truly loved his family. He created a tradition of getting everyone together at his parents’ home outside San Antonio, TX, for a number of years, to celebrate Thanksgiving together. Charlie sincerely understood the importance of family, and his loved ones remember these times fondly together.

In his early twenties, Charlie spent a brief time in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone before heading to San Antonio, TX, to complete his undergraduate degree in history at St. Edward’s University. In the early 1970’s, Charlie moved to Humboldt County, and shortly thereafter met his soon-to-be wife, Maggie. The two got married, began homesteading out China Creek Road, and had three children, Annie, Milo, and Mercedes. Charlie was a volunteer firefighter for the Briceland Fire Department, an avid blacksmith welder, and motorcyclist during this time. He was also involved in the Mateel Community Center’s Reggae on the River and Friends of the Eel River.

In 2004, Charlie and his family moved north to Arcata. Charlie took care of his sweet wife, Maggie, as she battled A.L.S., until she passed in 2008. While in Arcata, he was involved in the community, participating in Humboldt Baykeeper, Arcata Chamber of Commerce, bocce ball tournaments on the weekends, and more. He made a point to go to every Farmer’s Market, Arts Arcata, and Arts Alive.

Charlie’s elaborate stories, his great big laugh, and his wild imagination will be missed. He is survived by his three children, Annie, Milo, and Mercedes, and five grandchildren, Ayden, Zoe, Otto, Olive, and Paige. There will be a celebration of life memorial potluck at the Bayside Community Hall on the afternoon of Saturday, June 22nd at 12PM. Friends and family alike are encouraged to attend, share stories, and remember Charlie’s life.