Birth date: Dec 9, 1937 Death date: Nov 12, 2017
Dalton “Butch” Cantrell, age 79, of Spring Lake passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2017, in Arizona. He was born December 9, 1937, in Battle Creek to Duane and Margarete Cantrell, and married Patricia Gilliland. She preceded him Read Obituary
Butch was a good person and friend. I do miss him very much.
I loved coach Cantrell. He was my first position coach when I joined the Alma College Scots football team during the fall of 1969. I'll never forget my favorite--the reaction sled. He would turn his Alma College baseball hat around, stand on the sled, hang on to the top rail, and have us line up in our three point stance and hit the sled. There were three padded parts to the sled--left, middle, right. He would yell "hit" in that hi-pitched voice of his that I'll never forget. Simultaneously, he thrust out one of the three pads. Whichever one he pushed out was the one we hit with our shoulder and forearm shiver. It simulated an offensive lineman coming at you from the left, directly ahead, or right. It was great and so was coach "Butch" Cantrell. A true Alma Scot. Only fond memories of a dedicated man who made us all better.
Butch was my first coach at Spring Lake. As a new resident/student to Spring Lake in the fall of 1980, he was welcoming, firm but fair. Drove all the way to Manistee to watch one of my Cheboygan teams play. I will never forget that. Thanks Coach.
My sincerest condolences to your family. Mr. Cantrell was one of my favorite teachers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss.
"Butch" was a fierce competitor and valued teammate and friend during our Alma College years. At the Klenk Open and at other times when there were College events, we would talk at length about our experiences and good times we had during those years. If a man is judged by the influence he had on young people and the positive impact on students and athletes of differing ages and in different settings "Butch"will be fondly remembered and he will surely be missed.
Dave Peters
Alma College Class of .61
A fine teacher/coach and an even better man. I will never forget the life lessons he taught me.
Butch was one of our long time softball umpires for the Northwest Ottawa Recreation Authority. What a great guy. I know he will be missed by many. Prayers to the family during this difficult time. Jill Vander Stel, NORA Recreation Coordinator
Coach Cantrell, always there for an Athlete... His Athletes, his school, his passion, the Athletes success made him happy, he watched, he taught and he will always be remembered as a Great Coach at Spring Lake High School. Thank you for your years of friendship Coach...you will be missed! Joe Sabo - Class of 1981.
