Milford Wayne Free

Milford Wayne Free, lovingly known as Butch, passed away from lung cancer on March 24, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. He was 78.

Born on August 10, 1946, in Bryan, Texas, to Eileen and Alson Free, Butch was raised in Cathlamet, Washington, alongside his brother Ron. The family first lived in Crown Zellerbach's Family Camp on the logging company's property along the Elochoman River, a setting that instilled in him a love of nature and a spirit of adventure. Butch himself described his childhood as idyllic, and it was.

Butch graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1964 before serving in the United States Air Force until 1968. Stationed at Sembach Air Base in Germany and spending time in Spain as well, he worked in Russian linguistics and held a security clearance-an aspect of his life he spoke of sparingly, but with great pride. After leaving the Air Force, he studied Political Science at the University of Washington.

In 1982, Butch married the love of his life, Catherine Basta. Together, they built a life of deep love and mutual respect. Complete opposites, but devoted to each other and their children, Teresa and Patrick. Butch formed a close bond with Judah, Teresa's husband, and was a loving grandpa to Judah's children Avery and Nolan, while eagerly awaiting the arrival of Teresa and Judah's daughter who is expected this June.

In his career as a project manager in Marine Construction, Butch played a significant role in the development of much of Seattle's waterfront and enjoyed pointing out past projects on drives through the city or boat rides on Lake Washington.

Butch's interests were as vast as the road trips he loved so much. An avid reader, Butch could just as easily be found reading a biography of a president, a satirical novel, or an in-depth book on a specific part of the Lewis & Clark trail. He loved classic rock and folk music, and especially live shows-whether in person or via rewatching legendary performances on YouTube. A true fan of Washington sports, he cheered on the Sounders, the Kraken, and his beloved Huskies-while still keeping tabs on the Cougars for his daughter's sake.

An avid outdoorsman and adventurer, Butch loved hunting and fishing. He always wanted a truck, a camper and a boat so he could explore anywhere. Those adventures took him to the Anasazi cliff dwellings, the rivers of Washington, Idaho and Montana, the Okanagan, Alaska, the Arctic Circle, and many other destinations big and small. He was at home on the road, and loved the changing landscapes, different cities and countryside's, people and the views and history observed along the way.

Butch was a man of quiet strength, unshakable character, and deep integrity. He was meticulous and methodical, thoughtful and wise. He believed in doing more with less, in showing up every day and doing your best, and in letting life unfold as it was going to anyway. Though reserved in nature, he had a sharp wit and a warm belly laugh that, when unleashed, could fill a room. Those who knew him will remember his rock-solid presence, his gentle kindness, and the way he made space for others to simply be themselves. He had a unique gift for finding common ground with anyone, anywhere.

Butch is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Catherine; his daughter, Teresa (Judah), and his son, Patrick. He also leaves behind his brother, Ron (Lori), and several extended family members including his nieces and nephews, cousins, his in-laws and his cherished "out-laws" he held in great affection.

A Celebration of Life in Butch's honor will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Madeleine Sophie Parish, 4400 130th Pl SE, Bellevue, WA 98006-the church where he and Catherine were married. A simple prayer service will be held in the sanctuary at 1:00 PM, followed by light refreshments in the Koinonia Room while presenting a slide show and sharing memories of Butch.

A Military Honors Burial Ceremony will take place on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98042.

In honor of Butch's life and legacy, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts be directed to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center for Lung Cancer Research. Donations may be made online at http://www.fredhutch.org/memorial or mailed to Fred Hutch, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Mail Stop J5-200, Seattle, WA 98109. Please include Butch Free's name with your contribution.