Ernie Butler
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Ernie Butler (died August 29, 2007) was a comedy impresario in Montreal, Quebec for almost 30 years.
He was the proprietor of the Comedy Nest at the Pepsi Forum, and supported top-notch skill from the time he started Stitches on Crescent Street in 1979. Butler was the presenter of The CJAD Comedy Hour on AM radio and also co-hosted that station's Irish Show.[1]
He is credited with putting Montreal on the comedy map, and establishing the climate that would lead to the world-famous "Just For Laughs" festival. He gave a start to many top-flight comedians, among them Jim Carrey, who opened the first Comedy Nest show.[2][3]
Butler was also a great supporter of charities, often lending his club for fund-raising events.[4]
Personal life
Butler overcame his compulsions (illicit drugs and alcohol) and supported others in their efforts to do so.[5]
He died of stomach cancer August 29, 2007, after a short illness. He is survived by his wife Marie and three children.[6]