Jeff Butterfield an enthusiastic supporter of Harper, WINGS, Buehler Y among others

Jeffrey Butterfield of Palatine took his role in community banking literally.

As the former president and CEO of Harris Bank Palatine, and vice chairman of Cornerstone National Bank in Palatine since 2005, he immersed himself in fundraising for community organizations.

Harper College, the Buehler YMCA and WINGS, which helps victims of domestic violence, all carry his imprint, colleagues say.

Butterfield died Tuesday. The Palatine resident was 63.

“Jeff was a firm believer that all corporations needed to be good corporate citizens,” said Tom MacCarthy, Cornerstone National Bank chairman and CEO. “You not only worked in the community, but you served the community.”

Rita Canning, who served with Butterfield on many charitable organizations, vividly recalls riding on the back of his motorcycle as they led “poker runs” to Wisconsin, to raise money for WINGS.

“He was on our leadership board from its inception,” Canning said. “He made a lasting impact throughout this community and the surrounding suburbs.”

At the time of his death, Butterfield was the sitting chairman of the Buehler YMCA in Palatine.

Board members say when the Y lost its executive director last fall, Butterfield stepped up to lead, and formed a collaboration with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

Another of Butterfield’s passions was the Harper College Foundation. As president of the foundation board, he helped fundraise for college enhancements and programs, as well as scholarships.

In 2006, he co-chaired the “Project Tomorrow” campaign with former Harper College President Robert Breuder.

They ambitiously set out to raise $7 million for scholarships and programs. Within three years, they surpassed their goal by $1 million.

“It’s the power of the community,” Butterfield explained at a foundation dinner in 2009. “This was one of the worst environments to raise money, so it says a lot about how the college is perceived in the community and the role it plays.”

Last May at the commencement ceremony, Harper officials rewarded Butterfield’s dedication to the college with the James J. McGrath Award, named after a former college president.

“Jeff was a great leader for our board,” said Lane Moyer, who succeeded Butterfield as foundation president. “He was always very upbeat and positive, and he inspired others to view the world through optimistic eyes.”

Catherine Brod, Harper’s chief advancement officer, said Butterfield led by letting others shine.

“He was a constant champion of Harper,” Brod said.

Butterfield is survived by his wife, Cindy, as well as his children, Kari Butterfield (Matt) Liddle, Brandon and Grant, and four grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. today until a 1 p.m. funeral service, both at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie.