A columnist and a photographer, Butch’s interests range from social commentary to wildlife photo essays. His work and photos have been published both nationally and internationally and whether he’s writing about world affairs or capturing a photograph of a leopard mid-hunt, Butch brings insight, experience, and a sharp eye to every subject.
Photographer
WRITER
Commentaries & Blog Posts
Columunist and Blogger
Commentary writer for the Vail Daily in Vail, Colorado from 2001 through 2021, where he received the Colorado Press Association Award for ‘Best Serious Column Writing.
Butch has been making weekly blog posts since he stopped writing for the Vail Daily Newspaper and moved to Tucson, AZ
Writing History
Shortly after 9/11 Butch wrote a letter to the editor of the Vail Daily Newspaper in Vail Colorado, who responded by asking Butch if he would write a weekly column for the newspaper. For twenty years his commentary brought a fresh perspective, combined with some libertarian wit, and moral clarity and was awarded “Best Commentary Writer” by the Colorado Writer’ Association in 2019.
His commentaries are read by people across the U.S., in Europe, and he’s even received a response to one of his posts from Shanghai, China. He strives to offer ideas and opinions that encourage readers to look at the world from “a slightly different perspective.”
Butch moved from the Vail Valley in 2023 and now resides in Tucson, Arizona with his wife Bobbi and their Berna-doodle, Molly. With his Vail Daily writing days in the rearview mirror, he posts a weekly blog focusing on politics, culture, language and life in these United States.
Background
- Born and raised in Chicago, IL, graduated from the University of Dayton and later the University Of Michigan School Of Advanced Business Methods.
- Commissioned an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
- Served as a carrier qualified Naval Aviator including a tour in Vietnam, flying more than 400 combat missions.
- Twice a recipient of the “Outstanding Young Men of America” award.
- Before retiring he served as the Area President of AJGCo (Colorado), an international insurance brokerage.
- Chaired numerous professional boards and has participated in active fund raising for The American Heart Association, The Children’s Hospital Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy, and the Vail Veterans Program in Vail, Colorado
Commentary & Voice
“In many cases, the best ‘present’ a man can give to a woman is just to ‘be present.’ … ‘Being present’ doesn’t mean being there physically — it means being emotionally present.”
“In the 14th and 15th centuries people married in June … brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide body odor.”
“The World Court … three fourths of the nations endorsing the court do not subscribe to trial by jury — so just how prudent would it be for the U.S. to become a member?”
These examples illustrate Butch’s mix of humor, historical context, wit, and philosophical critique.
Photography
- Professional Roles & Designations
- Publications & Features
- Exhibitions & Presentations
- Awards & Competitions
- Former photography instructor at Colorado Mountain College, Edwards, CO.
- Certified Image Analyst — Photographic Society of America (PSA).
- PSA Distinctive Portfolio Designation.
- Photographer-in-Residence — Enaidura Safari Camp, Kenya.
- Featured in Focal Points, Travel Africa, Shutter Bug, Africa Geographic, Sarasota, and the Audubon Society homepage.
- Published Photo Essays:
- “Birds of Florida” — Focal Points
- “Leopards, the Ultimate Cat” — Travel Africa
- “Unnatural Selection” — Africa Geographic
- “Elephant Encounter” — Africa Geographic
- Presenter for the Photographic Society of America — numerous photo club talks across the U.S.
- Featured exhibitor — The Wildlife Experience Museum, Parker, CO.
- Nine-time feature on the Denver Audubon Society homepage.
- Mid-Atlantic Visions Competition — Best in Show
- Elixir International Digital Competition (Nature Division) — Gold Medal
- ViewBug Curator’s Choice Competition — 1st Place
- Leica International Best Photo Competition — 1st Place