Death of His Sons
While Sam was in The Philippines, his 27-year-old son Phillip was killed. Sam turned inward, started drinking heavily, and could not pursue his interests in art.
Sam dealt with his grief by returning to art. He worked tirelessly day and night on paintings in what is now called Phillip's Room at the Chapel. According to Chapel employees who watched Sam, "it was as though he was possessed by depression and anger. Finally, his body and mind could take it no more. Sam broke down, and stopped."
Sam's children urged their father to take better care of himself, and took over all business responsibilities at PMI. Sam left for The Philippines for an extended period.
On October 14, 2012, his son Tim Butcher, the inspiration for many Precious Moments pieces, died.
Read more about this topic: Sam Butcher
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