'Here Comes Evanston' Announcer Dies

EVANSTON, IL - John Butler, a longtime announcer for the track and field, basketball and football teams at Evanston Township High School, has passed away.

According to ETHS Athletic Director Chris Livatino, Butler began serving the school in 1975 as a track and field official and has been the head timer, clerk of the course and official at the scorer’s table.

“John is a big reason that Dan Phillips relays, Kevin Richards Invite, and Central Suburban league Invite run smoothly,” said Livatino, who says he will always remember Butler’s “Here comes Evanston” phrasing when announcing events at the fieldhouse.

Butler was a standout cross country and track athlete at Thornton High School from 1961-65, breaking the record for 880 and mile relay teams. He spent 38 years with the Chicago Board of Education before retiring from Sullivan High School where he taught a variety of History subjects while coordinating assemblies, academic competitions, enrichment seminars, teaching night school and managing voter registrations.

“Although he grew up on the south side, John was a huge fan of our ETHS student-athletes, coaches and our community,” said Livatino. “He was such a kind and gentle man who will be missed by so many in Evanston and throughout the track and field world.”

Services will be held on Sunday, Dec. 27 at Leaks Funeral Home in south suburban Country Club Hills. The wake will begin at 2 p.m., with a service to follow at 3 p.m.