Stillwater, Saratoga County

Paul "Butch" Lilac died peacefully with his wife and family by his side on December 21, 2023.

Born in the Town of Stillwater on May 16, 1942, he was the Son of the late John and Dorothy Lilac. He was a proud 1959 graduate of Stillwater High School. He attended Paul Smith's College, and graduated from Brockport State Teacher's College in 1965.

His teaching career began in the Schenectady City School District, where he taught for 3 years, followed by 34 years at the Stillwater School District, retiring in 1998. He was a beloved teacher to countless children at Palmer Street, and Stillwater Middle School.

Coaching was Butch's true passion. He began his Stillwater coaching career at age 14 as a coach of the Stillwater Indians in the Mechanicville-Stillwater Little League. He went on to coach Boy's 7th and 8th grade basketball in the 1970's, Girl's Varsity Basketball in the mid 1980's, where they won the league championship in 1985, and Junior Varsity Baseball in the 1970's and 1980's. He coached JV Basketball in the late '80's into the 90's, while being the Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach to his Brother, Mike in the 1980's until 2000. In 1988 they coached the Stillwater Warriors to the NYS Basketball Championship. He coached Varsity Baseball in the 1990's where he won a New York State Championship in 1998. That happened at the same time as he carried the Town of Stillwater through the devastating Tornado May 31, 1998. He was also named NYS Baseball Coach of the Year in 1998 before retiring. Through the years he was a referee and umpire. He later came out of retirement to coach the Lady Titans AAU travel basketball team, coached the JV girls basketball team, and was assistant coach of the Varsity Girls Basketball team. He was also brought out of retirement to be the Coach of the Stillwater Tigers over 30 league, where he led them to a championship at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown. He ended his "2nd coaching career" where he started coaching in the Mechanicville-Stillwater Little League where he coached his two grandsons. He impacted and shaped the lives of countless athletes.

Butch dedicated most of his adult life to his beloved Stillwater Community. He began his political career as an elected Assessor in 1972. He was elected to the Stillwater Town Board from 1974-1982, and elected Town Supervisor from 1983-2003. He had the longest tenure as Supervisor in the history of the community. He was named Stillwater Citizen of the Year in 1981. He held the position of Executive Director of the Stillwater Area Community Center for 4 years, President of the local theater group Stillwater Players Among Others, and a charter member of the Stillwater Historical Society. He also loved being a re-enactor as a Revolutionary Commander at the Stillwater Blockhouse which he moved into the village years ago, so it would be preserved and used as a tourist destination beside his beloved Hudson River. At the time of his death, Butch was a proud member of the Stillwater School Board of Education serving for the past several years.

He is perhaps best known for his quote on the Hudson River when he told the Environmental Protection Agency "I Love This River"! He was credited with opening the Hudson River for recreational fishing when Governor George Pataki came to the Admiral's Marina in Stillwater to officially open the river to fishing.

His greatest joy in life was cheering on Stillwater Warrior athletes, especially his grandchildren. Butch never missed a game. He could be found on bleachers near and far, and watched with pride. His favorite past time besides watching the Dodgers or the Buffalo Bills, was playing Euchre along with his wife, at the Stillwater Legion Post 490 or LT's, or walking his faithful companion Oliver.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years Kathrynn Hallum Lilac, three children Jeffrey (Deanna) Lilac, Bruce (Opal) Lilac, Carrie (Brian) Sabourin, 11 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild, Brothers Robert (Jan) Lilac, and John Michael (Patricia) Lilac.

He was so proud of his family and of Stillwater.

Calling hours are at All Saints on the Hudson (St. Peter's Church) in Stillwater Saturday, December 30,2023 from 10:AM to 1:00 PM, followed by Mass, and Christian burial with a reception at Stillwater Post 490 to follow.

The family has created the Paul "Butch" Lilac Memorial Scholarship in his honor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stillwater Central School District Treasurer, c/o Paul "Butch" Lilac Scholarship.

"Once A Warrior, Always A Warrior."

Online remembrance may be made at www.chasesmithfamily.com