Bernie Butterfield
Ernest Bernard Butterfield Jr. (Bernie) was born August 23, 1928, in Decatur, Illinois, and passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 20, 2021, at the age of 92 years.
Bernie moved to Albuquerque with his family in 1944 and graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1946. He studied horology (watch repair) at Precision Instrument Laboratory in Los Angeles and Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois before attending the University of New Mexico where he met the love of his life, Anne Vocale. Upon the sudden death of his father in 1954, he took over management of the family-owned business, Butterfield Jewelers, which he successfully ran until retiring in 2018. Bernie furthered his education by taking classes through the American Gem Society and earned the titles of Certified Gemologist (CG), Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA), and was the only CGA Emeritus in the Southwest. He served as President, Treasurer, and board member of the New Mexico Jewelers Association and was active in Jewelers of America.
His passion for jewelry, gemstones, and watches provided great adventures in his life. With Anne by his side, they visited emerald mines in Brazil, pearl farms in China, and diamond cutting facilities in South Africa, but he was most content living and working in his local community. He was an active member and served on boards of the Sigma Chi Alumnae Association of Albuquerque, Better Business Bureau, Del Norte Rotary Club, Executive Association of Greater Albuquerque (EAGA), Optimist Club, and the (former) New Mexico Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to running Butterfield Jewelers, Bernie enjoyed playing golf, supporting Lobo athletics, driving his Porsche, and listening to jazz and classical music. He served on the board of Senior Golf of New Mexico, First Tee, and spent countless hours at Puerto del Sol golf course. He loved a well-shaken Manhattan, traveling, bidding at silent auctions, and a good party. Bernie's 90th birthday was celebrated in grand fashion with a celebration of family, friends, loyal customers, and industry suppliers at Sandia Casino. His hallmark introduction was an extended hand accompanied by, "Hi, Bernie Butterfield, Butterfield Jewelers."
Bernie's greatest joy came from sharing 70 years of marriage with his “sweetheart,” Anne. Together, they raised a family of four children, and he remained a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather until the end. His battle with various forms of cancer began at age 33, and his valiant fight against disease for the next 59 years is a testament to his grit and determination of enjoying life to its fullest.
Bernie is survived by his devoted wife, Anne; children, Ernest (Ernie) Butterfield III (Karen), Mike Butterfield (Susan), Theresa Butterfield Maxey (Bill), and Amy Butterfield Woolley (Kurt); as well as ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Bernie's funeral will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic, 4020 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM on May 25 at 11:00 am (masks required). In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Butterfield Educational Fund at the University of New Mexico. Contributions may be mailed to the UNM Foundation, Two Woodward Center, 700 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 or made online at www.unmfund.org.
