Pedrito L. Butihen
Pedrito L. Butihen
Passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord, with his daughter Florence by his side, on Friday, March 27, 2026.
He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Herminia (2023), and his first-born and only son, Ron (2004), both of whom he deeply missed. He leaves behind his daughter, Nenet/Florence, and the Charlie B.
Pedrito was known by many names – Pete, Noy, Toto, Pedot, Pedring, Pare, Tito, Lolo, Ninong, Uncle, but most lovingly as Papa, or the “Popsicle Man.”
Predeceased at a young age by his father Narcisso Butihen and raised by his mother the late Flora Butihen. He was the younger brother of the late Narcisso Jr. and Rudy Butihen (Eva, with son Rudy Mark).
He will be fondly remembered by many friends, cousins, nephews, nieces, and Godchildren across Canada, the United States, Australia, and the Philippines, with special love of the Losaria and Lizada families, whom he adored.
Pedrito was raised in Bacolod City, Philippines, where he attended Don Bosco Technical School and later studied Mechanical Engineering. He worked for many years at San Miguel Beer Corporation in Manila before immigrating to Canada.
He first settled in Windsor, Ontario, and later retired from General Motors after 30 years of dedicated service as a Machine Repairman.
His strong Catholic faith was an integral part of his life, and he had a deep belief in the Lord. He was also a member of the former Katilingban Sang Ilongo in Windsor, Ontario.
He had a passion for Western and horror films – especially vampire films – as well as martial arts, in which he held a Brown Belt.
A quiet man by nature and known for his kindness, Pete became a lively storyteller after a few beers or a shot or two of whiskey, always ready with giggles and unforgettable tales of his youth, including street fights and other adventures growing up. He cherished karaoke – especially “Please Release Me” by Engelbert Humperdinck, “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, and “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond.
He was a devoted father who showed his love in his own unique way as he raised his children – through playful sparring, surprise McDonald’s lunches tucked into lockers, school pick-ups, playground outings, water parks, camping trips, and memorable family travels, including their first trip back to the Philippines.
Florence extends a heartfelt thanks for the care and compassion shown to Pedrito at Hillcrest Reactivation Centre (Nolan, Fatima, Shirley, Mary, Thandie) and later at Rekai Centre-Wellesley, where he was fondly known as “Tatay.” Special appreciation is given to Tenzin, Elena, and the many staff members who supported both him and Florence in his final days.
In Pete’s own words, which he leaves with all of us: “Take it easy.”
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph. A service will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 10:30 am at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, 28 Norfolk St, Guelph. A reception will follow the service, at Mandarin Guelph in the Private Room, 565 Woodlawn Rd W, Guelph starting at 12:00pm.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
Donations in memory of Pedrito, in honour of his fight with Lewy Body, may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
A tree will be planted in memory of Pedrito L. Butihen in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.