George "Butch" Shadbolt

George “Butch” William Shadbolt was born February 20, 1947 in Gordon, Nebraska to George William and Amanda Sanders Shadbolt. He lived a full and captivating 74 years, doing everything from being a bush pilot in Alaska to building a packing plant in South America and all the while establishing a successful ranch at his home in the Sandhills.

He grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse on the ranch and graduated from Gordon High School in 1965. Butch attended University of Nebraska - Lincoln where he majored in Ruminant Nutrition and was (probably) the smartest guy in every room until he returned home to (definitely) be the smartest guy on the ranch.

Butch recognized the opportunity his parents made available to him in the cattle ranching business and used his vision and hard work to manage, expand, and pass the same opportunity to his family. Whilst managing the ranch, he also served the community as a board member of banks in the Sandhills and the Gordon Memorial Hospital.

Butch managed Shadbolt Cattle Company, but his passions reached beyond ranching.  He loved flying, hunting, fishing, fine wines and searching for arrowheads and fossils.  He could build box corners, break a colt, paint a picture, bake bread and rebuild an engine. He had a long list of hidden talents, not the least of these talents was building relationships with people. His uncanny ability to connect with all who knew him will be cherished. He was loved and respected by his family, employees, and especially his beloved pets. George was known for his intelligence, curiosity, generosity, and calm demeanor.

He is survived by his wife Diane Shadbolt and daughter Anna Shadbolt; Son Quentin (Angela) Shadbolt, and daughter Rachel Shadbolt; Grandchildren Jordan (Collin) Sanders, Garrett (Katie) Shadbolt, Josie Shadbolt, Shawna Shadbolt and great-grandson George Shadbolt; Sisters Sherrill (Deb Carnell) Shadbolt and Meredith (Art) Brownlee, nephews Ed (Noel) Brownlee and Ethan (Rachel) Brownlee and his favorite cousin Buck Buckles.

Service is June 3rd at 2:00pm at Winship Park in Gordon, Nebraska followed by a Celebration of Life at the American Legion.

A memorial has been established for the Gordon Memorial Hospital or the ALS Association and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343.