Curtiss Sprague Butler, age 68, passed away at his home in Philmont on Wednesday, Oct. 14th, 2015, after a long battle with heart disease. Born in Coronado, CA on April 8th, 1947, Curtiss and his brother Neil (now deceased) came East as children. After graduating from Florida State University in 1970, Curt lived and worked all over the eastern seaboard before settling in Columbia County in 1999. He came to love the rural lifestyle, spending his free time hiking, building stone walls, and chopping wood for the long Upstate winters. A writer and visionary, Curtiss retired last year from a career on the leading edge of digital communications. His passion was writing poetry. He recited his work, led poetry workshops, and was in the process of publishing his second collection at the time of his death. He enjoyed attending stock-car races with his son Julian and fencing events with his sons, Sean and Chris. Widely traveled, he leaves behind a wealth of memories and colorful stories. His warmth, wit, and incisive intellect will be missed by many and remembered always. Curtiss is survived by his stepparents, John and Alda Butler of Melbourne Beach, FL, and his wife, Lee Armstrong, of Hillsdale. Curtiss was the father of three sons, Sean Sprague Butler of Maitland, FL, Christopher McLean Butler (now deceased), and Julian Roland Butler, of Hillsdale. Curtiss's only grandchild, Elaine Christina Butler, also resides in Maitland, FL with her parents, Sean and Amy Butler. Curt's first wife, Laura Butler, of Melbourne Beach, FL was a sustaining support to him in his final months.   Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 18th, at St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, NY. A viewing at the church begins at 3 PM, followed by the service at 3:30 PM. The family will host a repast at their home in Hillsdale following the church service.   Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.