Biff and I met in 2009, he was witty, he was funny, and one of the greatest friends I could ever have, and also one of the best graphic designers on the west coast. We quickly began working together on a handful of centerfolds within the Cannabis community, He was involved in the Jerk Of All Trades projects lending his hand in design with countless photographs. Biff had an entire room dedicated to work he helped create with packaging and t-shirt design, and was the graphic artist for the front and back cover and all the contents in between the pages of “Still Life: The Photographs of Maggie St.Thomas,” and my latest book “In Print: The Articles of Maggie St.Thomas (2018-2023)“. Biff Butler was an incredibly talented artist.
Biff had a heart too pure for this world, and like many of us, he battled with his demons. On February 21st, 2024, I awoke to a text on my phone with the worst news, and as soon as I read it, my heart broke into pieces. “Biff passed away this morning.” My initial reaction was to cry out in denial – “NooooO!” – clinging desperately to the hope that it wasn’t true. But the harsh reality was that my dear friend, Biff Butler, had died. In sadness, I write this remembrance story to honor the memory of one of my most talented and great friends who is now on the other side.
Biff lost both of his parents the year before, and their deaths absolutely crushed him. I was working in Death Care at the time, and I assisted my good friend in not just finding a Funeral Home, I also sent off both of Biff’s parents at the Crematory I spent three years of my life at during the graveyard shift. For Biff’s mother, I brought in my violin and played it for her at Biff’s request. Arriving at work a little early to tune my instrument in the viewing room before my shift would begin. For his father, I played Johnny Cash’s Greatest Hits.
Without death, there is no life. The people I’ve lost have taught me how precious life is, and to have this time where we laugh and live is something that cannot be bought. Biff and I enjoyed so much time talking about the blessings of life, and how precious the gift of breath is. The simple inhale and exhale that brings us closer to our Creator. We also had many conversations about death, and beyond. I knew when the time came, Biff would want to be cremated. We talked about how we are but ashes to ashes, and dust to dust.
Biff was cremated, and on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 19th, I met his sister Becky at the circle of downtown Orange to collect a small amount of his cremated remains. It was our first time meeting. We shared a long embrace, and then she handed me a blue velvet pouch containing a small portion of her brothers ashes in a clear bag with a zip tie.
On my drive home, I kept the velvet pouch close to my heart while I played ‘The Great Escape’ by Johnny Indovina. Hoping to find a suitable container for Biff’s ashes, I made my way to Daiso where I knew I would find the perfect small, clear glass bottle with a cork top.
Once I arrived back at my home, I snipped the zip tie on the clear bag that held Biff’s cremated remains. I gently poured the contents of what remained of my friend into the clear glass urn and sealed it with the cork top. I held the precious glass container close to me, admiring the contents inside.
III Days
Three days would go by until my scheduled meeting with Gina Murphy at Close By Me Jewelry to discuss creating a piece of jewelry with Biff’s ashes.
To honor my late friend’s memory, I wanted a special ring made to keep him with me at all times. Biff was truly one-of-a-kind. I had to have a unique piece to match his larger-than-life personality, so I went with the Oval Signet Ring in Sterling Silver, which seemed like the perfect fit for me. Gina was a pleasure to work with as she assisted me in creating this remarkable piece. The night before our appointment, on the one-month anniversary of Biff’s tragic passing, I brought his urn and the velvet pouch holding his remains with me to see X perform at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.
Thou he’s on the other side now, up with the greats, his spirit will live through me and the memories we shared will be cherished and with me forever. He will be missed with all future endeavors. Love to Biff forever.
Jeffrey “Biff” Butler March 22, 1965 – February 21, 2024
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