Inducted October 26, 1996
St. John’s native, Frank Butler, was instrumental in the development of basketball at the Local, Provincial and National level. While still achieving many plateaus as a player, Frank became a corner stone as a builder.
During his playing days, Frank enjoyed exceptional success. From 1961 – 1968 Frank played in the Provincial Senior A championships where in most tournaments he was chosen an All-Star. From 1964 – 1967, Frank played for his home province at the Canadian Sr. A Championships. In 1967 he captained Nfld. at the First Canada Games held in Quebec City.
In 1966, Frank was selected to the MUN Athletic Honor Society. In 1984 St. John’s Basketball Assoc. inducted Frank into the Hall of Fame, and the following year he was inducted into Nfld. & Lab. Basketball Assoc. Hall of Fame.
As a builder, Frank assisted in organizing the St. John’s Metro Basketball League. He served as Secretary/Treasurer and President of Nfld. & Lab. Amateur Basketball Assoc. before serving as a Director, Vice-President and eventually, President of Basketball Canada.
From 1978 – 1981 Frank was a member of Canada Games Society and also in 1980 was a Director of the Sport Federation of Canada. Frank was Chef de Mission for Nfld. at the 1973 and 1975 Canada Games. During this time, he also acted as an Administrator for the first Nfld. & Lab. Summer and Winter Games.
Frank’s ability as an organizer speaks for itself. Besides serving in leadership roles on executives, Frank also coached MUN’s Varsity Men’s Team and helped with the organization of officials. His involvement as a Chairman on the “Green Paper on Recreation” shows his deep desire to improve Sport/Recreation in our Province.
Frank’s past and present involvement with sport and recreation has set a high standard to follow. Frank is well deserving of his induction into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.
Your support for sport in Newfoundland and Labrador.