In Memoriam
Auldin Nelson
Auldin Nelson, longtime Flint community member and supporter of the University of Michigan, passed away November 6, 2007 at his Burton home at the age of 84. Mr. Nelson was born in Ohio in 1923 and moved to Flint as a child. In 1941, he graduated from Flint Central High School, where he was a star quarterback. He went on to attend classes at Flint Junior College, then transferred to the University of Michigan, where he again played football. College was put on hold when Nelson was sent to Germany during World War II. He was promoted to first lieutenant and earned a Purple Heart for his work in Auschwitz.
Nelson returned to Ann Arbor in 1945, and three years later he met his wife Jean in Portage Lake. In 1949, Nelson graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He married Jean that June.
By the mid-1950s Nelson had become a junior partner with Flint’s Nurmi, Nelson, McKinley and Associates. Nelson was most recently senior partner at Nelson, McKinley, Reed and Associates when he died.
Nelson is survived by his wife, daughter, son, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Nelson left a great mark on the community as an architect for the Sloan Museum, Flint Institute of Arts, Kearsley Manor, Flint Public Library, the fieldhouse of Flint Central High School and Burton’s Senior Center to name a few. He was also very involved with the Burton Rotary, a member since it was founded in 1979.
As a member of the University of Michigan Club of Greater Flint (M-Club of Greater Flint), Nelson was a strong advocate for the organization’s lecture series and fundraising efforts to provide scholarship support for University of Michigan-Flint students. His support has made a lasting difference in the lives of students who have benefitted from the programming opportunities and generosity offered by the M-Club of Greater Flint.
Thomas K. Butterfield
Longtime M-Club member Thomas K. Butterfield of Lapeer died December 16, 2006 after a long, courageous battle with prostate cancer. Tom will be remembered for his outstanding contributions as an attorney, community leader, educational advocate and friend to the University of Michigan, and much of Southeastern Michigan.
A lifelong Wolverine, Tom earned his Bachelor of Arts and Law degree from the University of Michigan in the 1960s. Tom married his best friend Gaye, and the two settled in Lapeer where they raised their family. For 36 years, Tom was a partner in the firm of Taylor, Butterfield, Riseman, Clark, Howell, Churchill & Jarvis, PC. He was very active in his hometown of Lapeer and served on the Lapeer County Bank & Trust Board of Directors for 28 years, Lapeer Community Board of Education for 12 years and on the Chatfield School Board of Education. Tom was the integral force in establishing the Lapeer County Community Foundation.
As someone who deeply valued education, Tom served as a member on several boards at the University of Michigan. These boards included the University of Michigan Victors Club, the Board of Governors for the University of Michigan Club of Greater Flint as well as a coordinator of the Annual Fund Raiser for University of Michigan Athletic Scholarships.
Tom combined his passion for golf and the University of Michigan when he took charge of the annual M-Club Golf Outing held annually in July at Atlas Valley Country Club. Tom’s typical upbeat personality encouraged others to participate each year, and raise thousands of dollars for student scholarships. Never one to settle for the status quo, Tom implemented the Hole Sponsorship Program which brought in many more dollars for student scholarships. Tom was the heart and soul of this tournament.
Tom and Gaye spent many happy years traveling the world. According to those who were lucky enough to join them on their adventures, the Butterfields would always get off the tourist track to see how the local people lived. Tom’s two favorite places in the world were Key West, Florida and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Tom’s trips even took him to famous golf courses, including Ernie Ells’ course in South Africa.
Tom leaves behind his wife Gaye, his sons Michael and David, their spouses and grandchildren. The Butterfield family has requested memorial contributions in lieu of flowers; to Lapeer County Community Foundation, Seven Ponds Nature Center, or, the “Dr. Kenneth Pienta Prostate Cancer Research Fund.”
The past and present members of the M-Club of Greater Flint will greatly miss their friend Tom Butterfield.His vision and courage will serve as an inspiration to all of us as we carry on his good work.