Butler family of Kamloops donates $1 million to RIH
Butler family of Kamloops donates $1 million to RIH
Published 2:00 pm Friday, November 14, 2025
Joe and June Butler (l) and their son Glen, who received life-saving care at Royal Inland Hospital. Joe recently passed away, and June has donated $1 million to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation in his memory. (Royal Inland Hospital Foundation)
A Kamloops family that built up a successful business from small beginnings has given back to the community with a $1 million donation to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation.
In 1975, Joe and June Butler had two cars and a big dream, opening Butler Auto & RV Centre: a family business built on hard work and care for others. Over the years the business grew, and the Butler name became synonymous with integrity and service. Customers became friends and staff became family as the Butler name became a trusted one in Kamloops.
The Butlers believed in giving back, whether it was helping a young entrepreneur get their start or lending a hand to a family in need. Joe and June’s giving spirit increased after their son Glen faced serious cardiac complications, and the care he received at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) made a lasting impression on the family. In 2017 Joe and June made a $200,000 donation to support cardiac care at RIH, determined to ensure that other families could access the same level of lifesaving care that Glen did.
On June 27, Joe passed away peacefully with his family at his side. To honour his memory and reflect the deep connection their family shares with both the hospital and the community, June has made a gift of $1 million to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation.
“When I talked it over with Glen, I decided that rather than leaving this gift in my will, I wanted to make this donation while I am still here to see the incredible difference it will make in my lifetime,” said June.
“This community gave so much to us when we were in business, it just feels right to give back. The greatest joy you can get is giving.”
The Butlers have always believed that success should be shared. “When we started out, we built everything from the ground up,” June said. “As our business grew, we were happy to invest in causes that helped people. We’ve always believed that supporting the hospital reaches the greatest number of people because everyone, at some point, relies on it.”
“This gift will be transformational in helping to address the current and emerging needs of our hospital, supporting the equipment, technology, and programs essential to patient care as well as the medical professionals who make that care possible,” said Heidi Coleman, RIH Foundation CEO. “Above all, this gift is an investment in our community’s well-being, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
As a tribute to this remarkable gift and their family’s lasting legacy, the RIH Foundation is dedicating a significant public area in the hospital to them.
“The Royal Inland Hospital Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to June, Joe, and Glen Butler for their extraordinary generosity,” noted a release from the RIH Foundation. “Their story reminds us that the greatest impact we can make often begins with a simple desire to help others. Because of them, countless patients and families from all over our region will have access to exceptional care, close to home.
“Thank you, June, Joe, and Glen. Our community is stronger because of you.”
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