Kyran "Butch" Kane Jr.

One thing that was unmistakable about Kyran Butch Kane, Jr. was his insatiable love for life that was his constant companion. He was adventurous, active, and passionate about whatever he was doing. Butch was large in stature for much of his life, but his heart was even bigger as he was abundantly kind and compassionate toward others whether his family, his friends, or those under his care. He was a dedicated family man who treasured his wife and unconditionally supported his children in wherever their lives took them. Butch leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and generosity that his children will be proud to carry on. During a year in which the Korean Conflict finally ended, the first open-heart surgery was performed, and The Old Man and the Sea captivated its readers, Kyran and Agnes Kane welcomed the birth of their son, Kyran, Jr., on December 27, 1953. Kyran was born in Muskegon, Michigan, as the fourth of five children in his family including brothers, Mike and Tom and sisters, Margie and Terri. Kyrans father worked at Lakey Foundry and at the Laketon Township Clerk Office while his mother worked at the Laketon Township Deputy Clerk Office. The Kane family was a close-knit group, and Butch was especially close to his sister Terri. Even from a young age Butch had a weight problem, but it never kept him from enjoying life to its fullest. His sister Terri reaped the benefits of her brothers size since during the winter, she sled down the hills at the Sugar Bowl on his back. While he was growing up, Butch developed many interests that would remain with him throughout the rest of his life. He took piano lessons, becoming quite an accomplished player, and he also loved the water and fish. When he was nine years old, the family took a memorable three month journey to Florida where Butch was stung by a jellyfish. For his size, he was very agile, and he loved to hike, play tennis, and swim. As a student at Reeths-Puffer schools, he participated in drama and choir. Butch was a gifted singer who was also part of the Reeths-Puffer Madrigals. He carved and made candles, and he greatly enjoyed the companionship of his cockatiel, Elvis. After graduating from high school, Butch attended Muskegon Community College where he pursued accounting. He worked for a time for the Square Clothing Store in the mall followed by other retail stores, which all eventually closed. Finally, Butch found work as a courier at Muskegon Bank & Trust where he noticed a pretty young girl. Her name was Susan Metzdorf, and they began sharing conversations at work. Butch often spoke of his love for tennis and since she wanted to learn the game, Susan reluctantly agreed to let him give her a tennis lesson as she didnt really like Butch all that much. They spent time playing tennis together and also played doubles with another couple, Terri and Larry. Butch continued to pursue Susan, even sending her flowers signed coach. After realizing their relationship had grown into true love, they married on September 26, 1981. In addition to gaining a wife that day, Butch also gained a daughter as Susan brought her six-year-old daughter Catherine into the marriage whom he adored. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Traverse City and then settled into an apartment in Norton Shores. Not long after, Susans mother became very ill and Butch tenderly cared for her until she died. This experience ignited a passion within Butch that led him down a much different career path. He went back to school during his late twenties and early thirties, later earning his RN degree. It was also during this time that the Kane family welcomed son Kyran Trey into their hearts and home. Due to an irregular work schedule, Butch often had trouble sleeping. It was while driving around during a sleepless night that Butch actually found their new family home in Norton Shores. Throughout his career, Butch worked various places within the healthcare industry. He worked in different departments at Mercy Hospital and then for Harbor Hospice. Because he underwent successful bariatric surgery himself, Butch was instrumental in developing the bariatric department at the hospital and worked in the department himself once it was up and running. Butch could even be seen on posters showing how he lost the equivalent of almost an entire person! Eventually, he missed the end of life care so he went back to work for VNS Hospice. There were so many things that Butch liked to do throughout the course of his life. He loved having breakfast with his family on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of his favorite places to be. The kids enjoyed riding the waves on his back there, too. Butch always liked hiking and while blazing a trail at Hoffmaster with his family one day, they got a bit lost. Butch then hiked back alone to retrieve their car since his family was too tired to go with him. Tennis remained a passion of his as well. Five years ago he was thrilled to be able to attend the U.S. Open, and Butch and Susan once saw Pete Sampras play while he was in Grand Rapids. Their family enjoyed trips to Cedar Point and Colorado where they climbed Pikes Peak. He and Susan traveled alone on occasion, taking cruises and visiting their favorite resort in Cozumel, Mexico, which became an annual trip. Butch satisfied his love for adventure when he went paragliding, and he also enjoyed whitewater rafting with Susan. The love for music and singing he established during his formative years remained with him during his adult years as he was involved with both the Grand Haven and Muskegon Chamber Choirs. Kyran Butch Kane was an extraordinary man whose life was an inspiration to many whether his son who decided to follow in his fathers career path or those who underwent bariatric surgery after seeing his success with the procedure. He was overly generous, always giving without expecting anything in return. Butch adored his family and was supportive of his children in every way. Dedicated to the profession he was passionate about, Butch touched the lives of countless others through the tender care he provided to the patients under his care. The world was forever changed because of Butch, and he will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. Kyran J. "Butch" Kane Jr. died Friday, June 4, 2010. Butchs family includes his wife, Susan; 1 son, Kyran "Trey" Kane III, 1 daughter, Catherine (Jason) Ayers - Tuttle; 1 grandson, Jack; 2 brothers, Mike Kane and Tom (Debra) Kane; 2 sisters, Margie (Jack) Burden & Terri (Don) Bond; several nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews; beloved dogs, Barney and Fred. Butch was preceded in death by his parents. A service will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel. Visit with Butchs family and friends on Tuesday, 6-7 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Mercy Health Partners VNS Hospice.