Inducted November 6, 1982
Les Butler was born in Port Rexton, Trinity Bay. He is regarded as “the father” of weightlifting in the province where he made it a recognized and organized sport. He was also the driving force behind the establishment of the provincial weightlifting association in 1967 and has filled the presidency of the organization every year since that time, with one exception.
Butler was also responsible for founding the St. John’s Weightlifting Club where he has also provided leadership.
Besides being an administrator for weightlifting, Butler is a certified coach and has headed Newfoundland teams in various national competitions, including the Canada Games. As a working president he has filled many positions at more than 40 championships including the 1976 Canadian Powerlifting Championships at Stephenville.
On the national scene he was secretary of the Canadian Weightlifting Association for three years as well as serving as national recording chairman and Newfoundland director for eight years for the national organization. He was also a certified weightlifting referee.