By ‘Pegs’
LONGTIME Kilmore resident and racing identity Eric Buttler died on Tuesday, Melbourne Cup Day, after battling cancer for nearly four years. He was aged 81.
Mr Buttler had a busy life, starting up Buttlers Engineering, an engineering business based in Campbellfield in the early 1980’s ably assisted by his sons, Charlie and Brett.
Thirty years ago, he purchased a property in Euroa and called it Rangal Park Stud.
The Australian-wide known stud stood many stallions over that time including the group one-winning sprinter, Keltrice, which he raced.
Other stallions from Rangal Park included Palace Music, Ne Coupez Pas, Danerich and in later years Boom Time, Soul Patch and Cliff’s Edge.
Mr Buttler would enter yearlings at sales throughout the country and kept some for racing and leasing.
He had several trainers across Victoria and interstate handling his horses.
It was a sad time for Mr Buttler when failing health forced him to sell Rangal Park mid last year and his stock early this year.
Through that racing interest, he joined Kilmore Racing Club and eventually was elected to the club’s board.
Mr Buttler was later elected chairman and during that time was given the honour of life membership as a reward for his input to the club.
He was proud of his offspring’s involvement in sport in the district.
Mr Buttler leaves behind a loving wife of 57 years, Marlene, and children Charlie-Albert, Kellianne, Brett and Michelle and their extended family. He will be farewelled by his family privately at Kilmore Trackside on Monday, November 15. People can watch the funeral online by visiting Mr Buttler’s e-tribute at www.tjscottandson.com.au.
