The Mockingbird Foundation joins family and friends in mourning the loss of dear friend and avid Phish fan Leigh Wren Butler (August 1, 1975- August 2, 2013). Known also as “Lee” and “LlamaMama”, she was an active, loved member of the Phish community, especially The Jam Girlz and The Phunky Bitches, where she not only shared her love for Phish but also shared in many close friendships. Some of those who knew her best offer words in memoriam:

“Leigh was brave, complicated, creative, non-apologetic, and hilarious. She had a good heart, and was a generous friend. She did things on her own terms, to the last. Her happiest times were on her farm (Wicked Good Farm), nurturing her animals (llamas, goats, chickens, cats) and her crafts (jewelry, soap, fiber art, and creative mayhem in preparation for Phish shows).”

“Leigh was a true country girl, more comfortable with dirt under her boots than a city street. She was the type of friend that would be there at any moment, for any reason, and with no notice required. She loved her farm animals, and nurtured and cared for them with lots of love. Leigh was an artist. She created beautiful fiber art as well as watercolors and jewelry. She spent many hours at her spinning wheel lovingly spinning the fiber from her animals.”

“Leigh lived her life with passion. One of her passions was Phish. She was a long time fan that had spent many years following the band from adventure to adventure. Along the way, she sparkled, she laughed and she made many friends. One of her favorite Phish songs was “Mountains in the Mist“: ‘several times unconsciously, I’ve stumbled on the path and seen a mountain in the mist.’ She called the green mountains of Vermont her home and today the mist over the mountains shines a little less bright without her here.”

Rest in Peace, Leigh.

Donations may be made via Paypal (using Paypal directly, or a credit card through a Paypal account) via the link below; or by sending a check, payable to the Mockingbird Foundation, c/o The Godards, 12407 Willow Grove Court, Moorpark, CA 93021. The Mockingbird Foundation is an all-volunteer nonprofit (501c3) founded by Phish fans to support music education for children through small strategic grants to scores of special programs. The Foundation is all-volunteer – with no paid staff, office, or honoraria, and administrative costs below 1% – and has been founded and managed entirely by Phish fans, including a geographically dispersed board of directors.