Lyndel (Butch) Conley was born in Dunsmuir, CA 12/26/1942 to Wanda and
Melvin Conley. He was affectionately known as Butchie, BC, and Butchie
Baby (everyone remembers Dot Gargaetas). He graduated Dunsmuir high in
1960 and OIT in 1964 with his Laboratory Technician degree. He went to
work right away at Seaside Hospital, where he met his longtime friend Jerry
Cutsforth. They had many escapades which were often remembered at parties.
The common theme seemed to be alcohol and many times hunting or fishing. These
trips also included good friend Ron Hintz. Thank goodness one friend was
an attorney! Those were definitely different times!
At Seaside Hospital in the 60’s and 70’s, a lab tech was much more involved in
patient care; he assisted with birth (his own son included), CPR, and even open
cardiac massage. After Dr. Vipond read about electronic cardiac shock in a
journal, Butch had to strip a wire from a light which was placed on a patient
and Butch climbed under the table and plugged and unplugged the light to
defibrillate the patient.
He later worked with Dr. Kasper for 11 years at Del Norte Medical Where he
enjoyed playing racquetball, and skiing with Dr. George. During this time, he
played softball with many of his friends from Seaside Hospital. He followed up
his career at Redwood medical offices with Kevin & Donna. They are
partners, bosses, and mostly friends.
He always loved ocean fishing and liked the challenge of navigating and boat
operations, as well as figuring out how to fix any malfunctioning part – he
could fix anything (hence the name “Mr. fixit”). His buddies, Mike Dillon and
Dick Mayle were always at his side.
He was not just survived by but loved by his kids. They were always number one
in his life. Mike, Mark (Falisha), Jeff (Coreena), and Melissa (Joe). The
grandkids, Daniel, Kelsie, Kaylyn, Caitlynn, Christina, William, James and
Summer were also loved by Butch. In addition, great grandkids, Jett, Dax, Addie
and Miles will also miss him. Butch is survived by Monica Sperling his
companion and wife of 45 years and his former wife Victoria (Vicki) mother of
his four children. His other close family is brother Larry and sisters, Dixie,
Diana, Jorgene, Judie and Linda.
The family invites all to a remembrance of Butch at Enoteca in Crescent city
Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 4 to 6. If he drew your blood, fix something for
you or was your friend, come by to meet his family.