He was my first friend in Sundre and remainded so sense 1977. 'He built his daughter a waterslide' my son said and called Marty a 'Legend' 

Condolences to his family

Marty taught me many things. As an entrepreneur, he had a gift in knowing when to and when not to buy to keep things safe. He never borrowed and wanted to purchase only the best in technology when he knew there was a market. He was my first customer for rapid deployment tanks, he took a chance on buying cannons for added moisture protection and yes, was willing to slug it out during those long tough times between response calls, but he did it. Why, because he never borrowed.  I has a gamble in him, but it is always with a lot of calculation that not many have in their thoughts. 

Marty also taught me about compassion for family, friends, and how to look out for each other. I will forever keep these memories with me. 

Truely grateful for all Marty had done for everyone around the world.  

one last thing…it was awesome having a dance with him and the S.African crews while rolling out miles of LDH to help protect one of our iconic Canadian cities. Now that’s a  great memory! 

Marty and I worked together in Shell Caroline Field. Marty was an field operator and a friend. Not only did we work together we served together on the Sundre volunteer fire Department for about 10 years. When we met we always had a good visit and a lot to discuss. He was hard worker, kind and always involved with community and work.

Posted from our Website a few days ago.....but thought I would share. 

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It is with sad heart I write this... Marty Butts whom I knew as a Fire Chief and Wildland Fire Innovator, client, and straight-talking honest father and husband is gone. On a personal level Marty was the person who put us on the map in Alberta as our very first customer. He was open-minded and always willing to try new innovation and technology. He was more than a customer as we talked at length about the challenges in the industry met every year and shared information. He was spokesperson on the use of our product on Global and CTV News.

Above all he was civic minded, he knew that contributions to your community builds a stronger society. His professional insight translated into protection for communities. His innovation in tactics and strategy will endure and serve to protect communities in the future. This will be part of his legacy.

I will miss him and our conversations... it is strange, unbelievable and sad...

I will never forget looking up to you at the Harmattan Karate dojo. Your dedication and inspiration to Karate has stuck with me to this day. I've always thought of the training we did under your leadership. This pushed me to continue self defence training, into my career in the CAF, and has helped me be part of elite specialties. Thank you for kicking my butt into shape and forging a dedication mindset for me. 

I worked as a paramedic in Sundre for several years. We often found ourselves in situations where we desperately needed help. Even though the fire service was volunteer, no matter the time of day, Marty showed up (often alone) and was always willing to help any way he could. I’ve worked in otger locations and have never found someone so ready to help the community and people in need. Rest easy my friend. 

Condolences to his family 

I was so surprised and so saddened to hear of Marty's passing.  I didn't know Marty well, and only met him a few times.  I felt he treated people he met with respect as he was easily approachable  to ask questions and he would gladly answer your questions.   I just started marking my trees and paths on my land for his crew to come out to help clean up the deadfall, cut down dead trees, mulch, and haul the deadfall for burning making my land more fire smart.  I was looking forward to getting some of my paths reopened so I could easily snowshoe in the winter, walk through the paths in the summer and be a little more resistant to the fires that forced  me to prepare for evacuation the past two years.

Condolences to his wife and family.  So sorry the families loss and the community of Sundre's loss.

Going to be missed in the wildfire world. Great guy I will always remember him for his willingness to get the job done!

Marty rolling up his coveralls and going barefoot to refuel a pump.

Marty was a great friend boss and mentor my time with no surrender was not easy work but marty made me feel safe  on and off the fire line he will be missed dearly 

When I joined the SFD for a brief time in my life Marty was very supportive of me joining and making me feel welcome and a team player. 

A true leader, friend, and mentor who has touched many people far and wide. 

To his wife, children and family members know we are all at a loss not only with words but just a loss. 

You are all in our thoughts and prayers 💙🩷

I’ve known Marty since I was a kid. My family was on the fire department and, long before he was chief, he served his community with heart and compassion. Everything Marty did was all in. He gave 100%. And no matter how hard he worked, whether it was paintball, those 3am pager tones waking him up to head to a fire, his day job afterward—running on no sleep—karate, quading, fundraising. No matter what, Marty always dealt with the folks around him with incredible kindness, patience and compassion. We grew apart over the years, but we’ll always think of him as family, because that’s how he treated his entire community, like family. Nicci, Brandon, Kurtis, Brooklyn, we don’t know each other well, and I can’t imagine what a staggering loss this is, but you are not alone in your grief.  Marty meant so much to so many. He touched so many hearts. He made people laugh and strive to work hard alongside him. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Hugs to your family from ours.

Shelly Campbell (Lamb)

We met Marty when he was the Firecheif of Sundre and we had him take down some very tall trees for us.
He was such a professional and did such a great job. He helped so many people and we will miss him and his beautiful smile. Wayne & JoAnne

Marty was truly a Gentleman, Family Man and a Friend to many.  He would help anyone that needed it.  Sincere condolences to Nicci, Brandon, Kurtis and Brooklyn.  The Sundre Community and the Firefighters Associations have lost a True Legend.  R.I.P. Marty. 

I met Marty many years ago. We would cross paths occasionally and stop to chat, he was always friendly and always involved in something. I observed Marty from a distance as his involvement in the community and with the Fire Department increased. It was refreshing to see this young man who was driven to serve in such a manner. Some years later, I was elected to town council and part of my portfolio was the Fire Department. Over my years of involvement with the Fire Department I was a part of many meetings and discussions with Marty (as the Chief) and with the department members. I observed a working group that had a very clear sense of direction, I watched, and aided where possible, in the implementation of many plans and ideas that Marty championed, some his own, many from within the department. There were many meetings, phone calls, chats outside while at large in the community, but on the heels of such work and dedication there were successes, though never without a hill to climb first. Marty was never one to shy away from the work of that hill in front of the goal. What I witnessed was a true leader in action, a servant. Marty was very serious about his role and driven to improve anything he laid his hand to. The type of person that when they say something to you, they mean it. I never found Marty's intentions to be anything less than pure. As we stayed in touch over the years, Marty and I would still chat and text as he handled other aspects of business for me. What I witnessed in Marty was not uncommon to anyone who knew him. Our community now has an ongoing example in Marty, an example that will stand to remind us all to do better and give a little more of ourselves to others. His legacy will live on with us. In closing, Rhonda and I wish to pass along our deepest condolences to Nicci, Kurtis, Brandon, and Brooklyn. We are so saddened for your loss and you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Marty had and always will have my utmost respect. Rest easy my friend, rest easy.   

Marty was a friend that was always there and in the background. I’ve known Marty many years. I remember quadding, camping and setting up for the fire department quad rally. It was as much fun building the bridges and cutting trails getting prepared as it was to participate. I remember going to Marty’s river road shop on Sundays with a group of friends to watch the Trailer Park Boys!  Marty was always helping and a few years later another fond memory I seen his No Surrender  Fire trucks going through Kelowna during the fires, I tracked him down and had him over to visit, share a meal and especially show the appreciation of the amazing work he was doing for my adopted city.  I’m so sorry Nicci, Kurtis, Brandon and Brooklyn I can’t imagine the pain you’re feeling. RIP my friend you are missed.  

Marty will be missed. I remember from back in the late 80s early 90s. We both attended Ken Kain’s karate school. He was a black belt, I was just getting into it. I could never step up to him without risk of getting knocked to the floor haha. Later I worked with him on the Fire Department for a couple years. He was always willing to help out. I always respected him and looked up to him. Maybe because I knew I would get my butt kicked lol. I remember his lifted Blue Chevy before and after the ouch on his fender. I remember a time when a few of my friends were out west of James River and getting stuck going places we shouldn’t have been and walking back to town. Before cellphone were a thing. Marty saved us a lot of walking that day as he was the only person who stopped to pick 3 of us up and got us back to town. 

Even though I started a career that took me out of town we always stopped for a quick chat when we ran into each other. I was happy he took the roll of fire chief as he was a good candidate. I always supported him especially when he had his troubles with the town. I was shocked to hear of his passing and hoping it was all just a rumor.  He was a good man and I will always remember him. Condolences to his family.