Arcadia News — award winning neighborhood news since 1993
February 2022
February 2022, page 37

36 FEBRUARY 2022 B rien Butler thought he would never become a father. In fact, he wasn’t positive he wanted children or the sacrifices made to raise them. Those hesitations have long since vanished. “When your kids hug you and tell you they love you, it makes it all worth it,” the 68-year-old dad said with conviction. This third-generation Phoenician met his wife, Kimer, when he was 48, and they married soon after. Two years later, they had their first daughter, Megan, who is now 16, and four years later, her sister Maddie. “I was scared to have kids, but it has changed my life and all for the better,” said Butler. “Being a parent takes the focus off of yourself and forces you to be a better person. It has also enriched my marriage.” Brien attended ASU and, after graduating with a degree in business, moved to California for work. He returned home in 1997, yearning for a connection with childhood friends and college buddies. He also decided to stake a new claim on his life and quit drinking. “One of my best friends, and actually the best man in my wedding, sort of adopted me into his family, and I saw what happy families looked like,” he reflected. “They invited me to their church, and I started pursuing the things of God, rather than myself.” It has been 26 years since Butler gave up alcohol, and he points to his newfound faith as the guidepost for a life renewed. “Sometimes the hardest things in life bring the best results, and it’s all about getting outside yourself,” he said. He said he’s made every mistake there is but is determined not to allow that to happen in his family. “Any wisdom I have comes from Christ and those people who have come around me.” Not surprisingly, Brien’s favorite movie is It’s a Wonderful Life , and he claims he has watched it five dozen times. He admits there were times in his life when, like George Bailey, nobody would have missed him. “I get emotional every time I watch that movie because it provides hope for the promise of a happy family.” Beyond his heartfelt sentiments, Brien has an edgy sense of humor, always adding a quip to most conversations. “I enjoy making people laugh and keeping things light,” he said. An independent insurance agent, Butler works from home, allowing him to play the role of Mr. Mom while Kimer pursues her nursing career. A proud, long-time subscriber to MAD Magazine , Butler says it provides him fodder for his quick wit and joke-telling. “Maddie loves reading it with me. I guess she’s like her dad, a little mischievous and always looking for a laugh.” He says he enjoys playing his unofficial role as “grandpa” among the younger moms, engaging them in conversation and laughter while waiting for the bus. “Life is too short, so we need to make the most of every day.” Or, as that famous MAD character liked to say, “ What, me worry ?” Brien Butler Brien with Maddie (age 8) in the back and Megan (age 12) on the right. Where students are shaped by stories, not screens.     D T H m L D lo P BR

PALM CANYON HILLSIDE MODERN - EDWARD B. SAWYER FAIA This Modernist Hillside home was designed by Edward B. (Ned) Sawyer FAIA and offers spectacular views coupled with superb architecture. Perfectly positioned near the top of Palm Canyon, the home commands the site with sweeping vistas of both surrounding mountain preserves and city lights beyond. Located between Paradise Valley and the Biltmore area, this fantastic location is seemingly minutes from everything and yet is surrounded by natural desert and dramatic homes. For the architecture lovers: The neighborhood offers an array of original designs from Will Bruder to Frank Lloyd Wright. A rare opportunity! Offered at $2,995,000 DESERT CUSTOM DESIGN This desert custom design captures the site and imagination, built by DeAcetis Francis Luxury Homes. This home is loaded with amenities and the details are among a timeless palette of materials. Offered at $3,295,000 LEGACY AT PIESTEWA PEAK Don’t miss out on your chance to own this beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath condo which is located in a highly sought after private gated community. Only minutes away from Piestewa Peak Park. Offered at $315,000 Architecturally Unique Homes ® SCOTTSDALE CITY LUXURY Eldorado on 1st: modern architecture and world-class penthouse-style living by architect Will Bruder. Now selling and complete early 2017. Only 3 left! From $1,689,000 MOUNTAIN PRESERVE CONTEMPOR ARY This expressive home designed by Alexander & Associates offers echoes of Frank Lloyd Wright design in a mountain preserve location. Offered at $1,795,000 With a great design sense and a passion for superb service, Tracey is consistently appreciated by her clients. She is especially knowledgeable about Arcadia, Paradise Valley and urban homes making her a top producing agent at az architecture/ Jarson & Jarson for over 15 years! As co-founder of az architecture/Jarson & Jarson, Scott has been a top-producing estate agent full time since 1987. He has achieved numerous sales awards and recognition throughout his career. His team association with Tracey Zemer creates an unequaled combination of talent and experience. az architecture/Jarson & Jarson is the only real estate firm in Arizona that specializes in the sales & marketing of Architecturally Unique Homes © az architecture.com Tracey Zemer - 602-478-0607 Scott Jarson - 480-425-9300 SELLING ARCHITECTURALLY UNIQUE HOMES SINCE 1990 MODERNIST PAR ADISE VALLEY Designed by Blaine Drake in 1955 and remodeled by Al Beadle in 1966, this one-of-a-kind property was completely updated and restored. Offered at $1,099,000 CUSTOM BILTMORE CONTEMPOR ARY This custom home in Biltmore Mountain Estates offers timeless design, soaring ceilings and custom details throughout. Offered at $1,475,000 PAR ADISE VALLEY CHARMER – MUMMY MOUNTAIN VIEWS This classic Arizona home offers immaculate move-in condition with celebrated details and craftsman elements for a blend of regional cool. Offered at $995,000 AWARD-WINNING MODERN Superb architecture defines this beautifully detailed luxury home in Paradise Valley. A modern sanctuary of form and function. Offered at $2,499,000 CA MELBACK MOUNTAIN CONTEMPOR ARY This timeless desert modern home situated on one acre of park-like grounds offers magnificent views of Camelback Mountain. Offered at $2,595,000 DESERT MODERN — AL BEADLE ARCHITECT This desert home by Al Beadle is Arizona living at its best. Details include unique steel detailing, floor to ceiling glass walls, and timeless materials. Offered at $989,000 SCOTTSDALE CITY LUXURY Eldorado on 1st: modern architecture and world-class penthouse-style living by architect Will Bruder. Now selling and complete early 2017. Only 3 left! From $1,689,000 With a great design sense and a passion for superb service, Tracey is consistently appreciated by her clients. She is especially knowledgeable about Arcadia, Paradise Valley and urban homes making her a top producing agent at az architecture/ Jarson & Jarson for over 15 years! As co-founder of az arch been a top-producing e achieved numerous sale his career. His team ass unequaled combination az architecture/Jarson & Jarson is the only real estate firm in Arizona that specializes in the sales & marketing Tracey Zemer - 602-478-0607 Scott Jarson - 480- MODERNIST PAR ADISE VALLEY Designed by Blaine Drake in 1955 and remodeled by Al Beadle in 1966, this one-of-a-kind property was completely updated and restored. Offered at $1,099,000 CUSTOM BILTMORE CONTEMPOR This custom home in Biltmore Mountain Esta custom details throughout. Offered at $1,4 PAR ADISE VALLEY CHARMER – MUMMY MOUNTAIN VIEWS This classic Arizona home offers immaculate move-in condition with celebrated details and craftsman elements for a blend of regional cool. Offered at $995,000 CA MELBACK MOUNTAIN CONTEM This timeless desert modern home situated o magnificent views of Camelback Mountain DESERT MODERN — AL BEADLE This desert home by Al Beadle is Arizona detailing, floor to ceiling glass walls, and UXURY rn architecture and world-class penthouse-style living by architect g and complete early 2017. Only 3 left! From $1,689,000 With a great design sense and a passion for superb service, Tracey is consistently appreciated by her clients. She is especially knowledgeable about Arcadia, Paradise Valley and urban homes making her a top producing agent at az architecture/ Jarson & Jarson for over 15 years! As co-founder of az architecture/Jarson & Jarson, Sc been a top-producing estate agent full time since 1 achieved numerous sales awards and recognition t his career. His team association with Tracey Zemer unequaled combination of talent and experience. Jarson & Jarson is the only real estate firm in Arizona that specializes in the sales & marketing of Architecturally Uniq Tracey Zemer - 602-478-0607 Scott Jarson - 480-425-9300 DISE VALLEY rake in 1955 and remodeled by Al Beadle in 1966, this one-of-a-kind ely updated and restored. Offered at $1,099,000 CUSTOM BILTMORE CONTEMPOR ARY This custom home in Biltmore Mountain Estates offers timeless design, soa custom details throughout. Offered at $1,475,000 CHARMER – MUMMY MOUNTAIN VIEWS ome offers immaculate move-in condition with celebrated details and r a blend of regional cool. Offered at $995,000 CA MELBACK MOUNTAIN CONTEMPOR ARY This timeless desert modern home situated on one acre of park-like groun magnificent views of Camelback Mountain. Offered at $2,595,000 DESERT MODERN — AL BEADLE ARCHITECT This desert home by Al Beadle is Arizona living at its best. Details includ detailing, floor to ceiling glass walls, and timeless materials. Offered a Architecturally Unique Homes ® SCOTTSDALE CITY LUXURY Eldorado on 1st: modern architecture and world-class penthouse-style living by architect Will Bruder. Now selling and complete early 2017. Only 3 left! From $1,689,000 MOUNTAIN PRESERVE CONTEMPOR ARY This expressive home designed by Alexander & Associates offers echoes of Frank Lloyd Wright design in a mountain preserve location. Offered at $1,795,000 With a great design sense and a passion for superb service, Tracey is consistently appreciated by her clients. She is especially knowledgeable about Arcadia, Paradise Valley and urban homes making her a top producing agent at az architecture/ Jarson & Jarson for over 15 years! As co-founder of az architecture/Jarson & Jarson, Scott has been a top-producing estate agent full time since 1987 . He has achieved numerous sales awards and recognition throughout his career. His team association with Tracey Zemer creates an unequaled combination of talent and experience. az architecture/Jarson & Jarson is the only real estate firm in Arizona that specializes in the sales & marketing of Architecturally Unique Homes © az architecture.com Tracey Zemer - 602-478-0607 Scott Jarson - 480-425-9300 SELLING ARCHITECTURALLY UNIQUE HOMES SINCE 1990 MODERNIST PAR ADISE VALLEY Designed by Blaine Drake in 1955 and remodeled by Al Beadle in 1966, this one-of-a-kind property was completely updated and restored. Offered at $1,099,000 CUSTOM BILTMORE CONTEMPOR ARY This custom home in Biltmore Mountain Estates offers timeless design, soaring ceilings and custom details throughout. Offered at $1,475,000 PAR ADISE VALLEY CHARMER – MUMMY MOUNTAIN VIEWS This classic Arizona home offers immaculate move-in condition with celebrated details and craftsman elements for a blend of regional cool. Offered at $995,000 AWARD-WINNING MODERN Superb architecture defines this beautifully detailed luxury home in Paradise Valley. A modern sanctuary of form and function. Offered at $2,499,000 CA MELBACK MOUNTAIN CONTEMPOR ARY This timeless desert modern home situated on one acre of park-like grounds offers magnificent views of Camelback Mountain. Offered at $2,595,000 DESERT MODERN — AL BEADLE ARCHITECT This desert home by Al Beadle is Arizona living at its best. Details include unique steel detailing, floor to ceiling glass walls, and timeless materials. Offered at $989,000 Architecturally Unique Home SCOTTSDALE CITY LUXURY Eldorado on 1st: modern architecture and world-class penthouse-style living by architect Will Bruder. Now selling and complete early 2017. Only 3 left! From $1,689,000 With a great design sense and a passion for superb service, Tracey is consistently appreciated by her clients. She is especially knowledgeable about Arcadia, Paradise Valley and urban homes making her a top producing agent at az architecture/ Jarson & Jarson for over 15 years! As co-founde been a top-p achieved num his career. H unequaled co az architecture/Jarson & Jarson is the only real estate firm in Arizona that specializes in the sales & m Tracey Zemer - 602-478-0607 Scott Jarso MODERNIST PAR ADISE VALLEY Designed by Blaine Drake in 1955 and remodeled by Al Beadle in 1966, this one-of-a-kind property was completely updated and restored. Offered at $1,099,000 CUSTOM BILTMORE CON This custom home in Biltmore M custom details throughout. 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His team association with Tracey Ze unequaled combination of talent and experienc Jarson is the only real estate firm in Arizona that specializes in the sales & marketing of Architecturally U emer - 602-478-0607 Scott Jarson - 480-425-9300 Y 5 and remodeled by Al Beadle in 1966, this one-of-a-kind and restored. Offered at $1,099,000 CUSTOM BILTMORE CONTEMPOR ARY This custom home in Biltmore Mountain Estates offers timeless design, custom details throughout. Offered at $1,475,000 – MUMMY MOUNTAIN VIEWS maculate move-in condition with celebrated details and regional cool. Offered at $995,000 CA MELBACK MOUNTAIN CONTEMPOR ARY This timeless desert modern home situated on one acre of park-like gr magnificent views of Camelback Mountain. Offered at $2,595,000 DESERT MODERN — AL BEADLE ARCHITECT This desert home by Al Beadle is Arizona living at its best. Details in detailing, floor to ceiling glass walls, and timeless materials. Offere Architecturally Unique Homes ® SCOTTSDALE CITY LUXURY Eldorado on 1st: modern architecture and world-class penthouse-style living by architect Will Bruder. Now selling and complete early 2017. Only 3 left! From $1,689,000 MOUNTAIN PRESERVE CONTEMPOR ARY This expressive home designed by Alexander & Associates offers echoes of Frank Lloyd Wright design in a mountain preserve location. Offered at $1,795,000 With a great design sense and a passion for superb service, Tracey is consistently appreciated by her clients. She is especially knowledgeable about Arcadia, Paradise Valley and urban homes making her a top producing agent at az architecture/ Jarson & Jarson for over 15 years! As co-founder of az architecture/Jarson & Jarson, Scott has been a top-producing estate agent full time since 1987 . He has achieved numerous sales awards and recognition throughout his career. His team association with Tracey Zemer creates an unequaled combination of talent and experience. az architecture/Jarson & Jarson is the only real estate firm in Arizona that specializes in the sales & marketing of Architecturally Unique Homes © az architecture.com Tracey Zemer - 602-478-0607 Scott Jarson - 480-425-9300 SELLING ARCHITECTURALLY UNIQUE HOMES SINCE 1990 MODERNIST PAR ADISE VALLEY Designed by Blaine Drake in 1955 and remodeled by Al Beadle in 1966, this one-of-a-kind property was completely updated and restored. Offered at $1,099,000 CUSTOM BILTMORE CONTEMPOR ARY This custom home in Biltmore Mountain Estates offers timeless design, soaring ceilings and custom details throughout. Offered at $1,475,000 PAR ADISE VALLEY CHARMER – MUMMY MOUNTAIN VIEWS This classic Arizona home offers immaculate move-in condition with celebrated details and craftsman elements for a blend of regional cool. Offered at $995,000 AWARD-WINNING MODERN Superb architecture defines this beautifully detailed luxury home in Paradise Valley. A modern sanctuary of form and function. Offered at $2,499,000 CA MELBACK MOUNTAIN CONTEMPOR ARY This timeless desert modern home situated on one acre of park-like grounds offers magnificent views of Camelback Mountain. Offered at $2,595,000 DESERT MODERN — AL BEADLE ARCHITECT This desert home by Al Beadle is Arizona living at its best. Details include unique steel detailing, floor to ceiling glass walls, and timeless materials. Offered at $989,000 PENDING SOLD BROUGHT THE BUYER 360 DEGREE VIEWS! RARE CLEARWATER HILLS MOUNTAIN TOP! Looking for ALL VIEWS, ALL OF THE TIME? We have your solution, literally a 360- degree view from Downtown City Lights to a complete view of Camelback Mountain, to the McDowells to the east, this has it all. Offered at $4,995,000 CELEBRATING 30 YEARS ARCADIA NEW BUILD Stunning new home and guest house sitting on over a half acre. Enjoy the generous yard with pool and a deluxe three-car garage! Exquisite attention to detail, nothing missed! You won’t find another! Coming Soon! Call for Price