Marion Family YMCA “Doc” Butterworth Scholarship Fund

The Marion Family YMCA “Doc” Butterworth Scholarship Fund is a designated fund at Marion Community Foundation. It was created in 2005 by Georgeann Butterworth Haviland to honor the memory of her father, Dr. Wayne R. “Doc” Butterworth.

Dr. Butterworth was a dentist in Marion from the mid 1950’s-late 1970s. He loved Marion and took active leadership roles in the Noon Marion Kiwanis Club, First Presbyterian Church and the Marion Family YMCA. He was always friendly and did not know a stranger. He loved to tell jokes and played practical jokes on his “friends.”

“Dad was an advocate of the YMCA and was active member his entire life,” said Georgeann. “Our family would go to the weekly family nights and was very involved in the YMCA aquatics programs. Going to the YMCA was a daily event for Dad, where he would chat with the patrons and employees, take a swim, walk around the track or enjoy a sauna. He loved the Y! This is why we wanted to honor his memory and love for the YMCA with this scholarship.”

The Butterworth Fund provides scholarships for YMCA memberships for Marion area youth who demonstrate financial need, good character, and active citizenship. The Marion Family YMCA staff utilizes an application process to select two recipients annually.