Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday extended condolences to the family of businessman, Raleigh Butler, who was remembered as a fine and outstanding member of society.

Mr. Butler died this past weekend following a long illness. He was 81 years old.

According to the prime minister, as the eldest son of the first Bahamian Governor General, Sir Milo Butler, much was expected of Raleigh and he did not disappoint.

“As his father had done before him, Raleigh joined the front lines in the struggle for Majority Rule. Raleigh showed particular courage and selflessness in this struggle, standing as the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate for Long Island in the historic General Election of 1967. He had virtually no chance of winning – and for certain he did not – but his preparedness to sacrifice himself in this major stronghold of the UBP in order to advance the larger struggle for Majority Rule being waged in the country won him many admirers,” Mr. Christie recalled.

“Indeed, his admirers only grew in numbers when in the 1968 General Election, Raleigh again stood for the PLP in Long Island.”

It was in business that Mr. Butler achieved his most notable successes.

He grew Butler’s Funeral Home and Crematorium into one of the country’s premier mortuaries.

“He set a standard of professionalism that became the envy of many, and he was widely admired for his many innovations, not the least of which was the introduction of the very first crematorium into The Bahamas, Prime Minister Christie said.

“As Sir Milo’s eldest son and principal heir, Raleigh was also a leading member of the wider business empire of Milo B. Butler & Sons, one of the most enduring and inspiring examples of black economic empowerment our country has ever known….He was always an exemplar of civility and courtly manners, and he contributed much to our development.”

Mr. Butler is survived by his widow and children including Free National Movement Deputy Leader, Loretta Butler-Turner and Independent candidate in the 2012 General Election, Craig Butler.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.