Reuben Ward "Butch" Rhees

April 1, 1941 – June 27, 2023

Reuben Ward "Butch" Rhees, beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother, passed away on June 27, 2023, at the age of 82. Butch was born on April 1, 1941, in Ogden, Utah, to Reuben George Rhees and Thelma LaVon Ward Rhees.

Butch grew up in Pleasant View, Utah, and had what could only be described as an idyllic childhood full of adventures. Many of his summers were spent working away from his home, where he learned the work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. He had a special affinity for Crystal Springs, the site of numerous family reunions, dances, and parties that would create memories that lasted a lifetime.

Butch was an accomplished athlete. He attended Weber High School where he ran track and was a Standard-Examiner All-State Hoop Team member, leading his basketball team to a runner-up finish in the state championships. He went on to be a starter on the Utah State University freshman basketball team, but his focus shifted to academics after serving an LDS mission. His athletic prowess was passed on to his children, with all of them having successful high school athletic careers. Many of his grandchildren have carried on the athletic legacy of their grandfather.

Butch's greatest victory came in the courtship of his bride, Karin. Butch and Karin dated in high school and drifted apart as Butch went to Australia for his mission and Karin entered Brigham Young University to pursue her degree in secondary education. Karin was courted by many suitors but remained single through her college years. After a four-year hiatus, Butch and Karin rekindled their relationship and were married in the Logan LDS Temple on December 20, 1963.

Butch earned his bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the University of Utah and his Ph.D. in Physiology from Colorado State University. The four years Butch and Karin spent in Fort Collins, Colorado, were some of the happiest of their lives and it's where they began to build their family. Butch and Karin both enjoyed successful careers as educators and touched the lives of thousands of students. Butch began teaching in the Department of Zoology at Brigham Young University in 1973, where he would retire in 2012. He was a favorite among students and received numerous awards throughout his teaching career at BYU, highlighted by the prestigious Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Teaching Award in 1992, the Karl G. Maeser Award for General Education Professorship in 1999, and the Alumni Professorship Award in 2006. He was also appointed chair of the Department of Physiology and Development Biology in 2003.

Family was critically important to Butch. He was blessed to have his mother live well into her 90s and he always cherished the time they spent together. He dearly loved his wife Karin and suffered greatly when she unexpectedly passed away in March of 2013. He took great pride in the personal, academic, athletic, and professional achievements of his children. He and Karin spent seemingly endless days and nights at school and sporting events, supporting his children and grandchildren. Holidays were always special to Butch, with the gathering of family the highlight of the seasons.

Butch had to learn to manage pain the last 30 years of his life after complications from a failed back surgery. Many of the physical activities he loved became distant memories, and he did everything he could to find some temporary relief that would let him enjoy travel, the Profession Bull Riders in Las Vegas, and family gatherings. He loved BYU football and was a long-time season ticket holder.

Butch was a High Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in numerous leadership positions. He served a mission in the Australia South Mission, served as Bishop of the Orem 25th Ward, and served as Bishop of the Orem Center Ward.

Butch was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife, Karin Marie Borklund, and his sisters: Connie Ward, Francis Pearl Burt, and Ranae Jacobs Linford. He is survived by his sister, Geniel Van Kampen; his brother, Raymond Lynn Rhees; and his children: Ryan (Lucilla) Rhees, Randall (Rebecca) Rhees, Karrie (Jason) Wight, Rhett (Camie) Rhees, and Reggie (Holly) Rhees. Butch had 21 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Private family graveside services and interment will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Ben Lomond Cemetery in North Ogden at 10:00 a.m. Friends may call on Friday, July 7, 2023, from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home at 646 E 800 N, Orem, UT 84097.