My name is Vinie (a family friend to Butch and Vanessa) I am one of the many people whose life was touched by Kuya Butch.

Kuya Butch—whom I also lovingly call Kuya Buchi —was a devoted husband to his loving wife Ate Vanessa, and a proud, hands-on father to their three beautiful children: Vana (13), Rueben (7), and Via (4). His family was his greatest joy and purpose.

Kuya Butch was the kind of person you could depend on any day, at any time. In Griffith, almost everyone knows him—not because he asked for recognition, but because he was always there to help, often before you even had to ask, and never expecting anything in return. He served the Filipino community with a genuine heart and was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wherever he went, he carried a warm smile and a light spirit—you would never see him without kindness in his eyes.

Kuya Butch was a simple man. All he wanted was to spend time with his family and friends whenever he could, creating memories filled with laughter and love.

Tragically, on Saturday, January 17, Kuya Butch went to Lake Cargelligo with our closest family friends to try their new kayak and paddle boards. What was meant to be a joyful day turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. Kuya Butch drowned, and despite more than 24 hours of tireless rescue and recovery efforts, he is still yet to be found.

The pain of this loss is unimaginable. No words can fully express how devastating this is for Ate Vanessa and their three young children, who are now facing life without a husband, a father, and a pillar of strength.

During this incredibly difficult time, their families in the Philippines urgently need to travel to Australia to be with them—to grieve, to comfort, and to support one another. As many of us know, the cost of international travel on short notice is extremely expensive.

This GoFundMe is created to help ease the financial burden on Kuya Butch’s family during this painful time. Any contribution—big or small—will go directly toward supporting Ate Vanessa and the children, assisting with travel expenses, and helping them navigate the days ahead. Here is Ate Vanessa’s pay ID as well: +61-481195377 (Pay ID name:

V Buscato)

If you are unable to donate, sharing this page and keeping the family in your prayers would mean more than words can say.

Kuya Butch gave so much love, help, and kindness to so many of us. Now, it is our turn to come together and give back—to stand beside his family, just as he would have done for any of us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts