ARLINGTON — The Arlington City Council had an empty chair decorated with flowers on May 18, as city officials took time to observe the passing of Dick Butner.

Butner was elected to the council in November of 2003, and had announced that he would not seek reelection at the end of his term this year. He died May 15 at home in his favorite chair. He was 80.

Mayor Barbara Tolbert commended Butner for “small courtesies” such as serving as the council’s unofficial timekeeper.

“He realized that it was hard for me to see the clock where I was sitting, so he let us know when to start the meetings,” Tolbert said. “He was the kindest man I ever met.”

Tolbert also mentioned acts of “quiet heroism,” such as Butner personally cleaning up graffiti when he saw it.

“He was a dedicated servant, and this will be a hard position to fill,” Tolbert said.

When Randy Tendering was first sworn onto the council, he sat next to Butner, whom he credited with mentoring him.

“As a newbie, you don’t want to make mistakes, so he helped me out,” Tendering chuckled.

Jesica Stickles also laughed, as she recalled Butner’s amusing remarks that she’ll miss, but Debora Nelson was nearly moved to tears as she described the quality of his character.

“He was such a gentleman,” Nelson said. “I will always remember his encouragement.”

Both Nelson and Jan Schuette credited Butner with being the first to arrive at most meetings, while Chris Raezer agreed with Nelson’s assessment that Butner had virtually perfect attendance during his 12 years on the council.

“It felt like he prepared the space for us,” Nelson said.

Schuette added: “He would wait in the parking lot, always with a laugh and a smile on his face.”

Marilyn Oertle admitted that just seeing the flowers in Butner’s place was difficult for her.

“As you got to know him, you just couldn’t help but like him,” Oertle said.

Oertle got to know Butner through the Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission, on which he served as one of its original members.

Butner was also a city police officer for 22 years, retiring as a sergeant in 1997, and served on the five-county mental health board until his retirement.

His other memberships included the Masonic Lodge and the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce.

“Dick had a true service heart, serving the Arlington community for over forty years,” Tolbert said. “The thoughts and prayers of the entire city of Arlington family are with his wife, Barb, and the Butner family. Dick will be greatly missed.”

City Administrator Paul Ellis added: “Dick loved serving the citizens and businesses of Arlington. He could always be found visiting the local merchants on his daily trips to downtown Arlington.”

Butner is survived by his wife of over 20 years, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service has been scheduled for Friday, May 29, at 1 p.m. at Weller Funeral Home, 327 N. Macleod Ave. in Arlington.