Willard George William Butt (Dick) was best known for his love for a practical joke, his easy wit and humor, and his hospitality and intense interest in people. He was one of the most colorful characters in the county. His door was always open to friends and to strangers, cowboys, and Native Americans. If trouble erupted in San Juan, he was always right there in the front ranks. For this reason he served and acted as San Juan County's first sheriff. He served as the county sheriff for many years. In his later life, when he was crippled with rheumatism, he continued to ride the open range.
Willard Butt was married to a girl with a heart that probably was bigger than his own. Her name was Julia Nielson. They had many friends, in fact they had legions of friends. From far and near, people came to enjoy the hospitality and friendship that the Butt family had. Together Willard and Julia had four children. The children were Elsa, Harold, Rye, amd Lila.
Willard came to Bluff through the pioneer Hole-in-the-Rock Expedition of 1879-80, remaining there for a few years until the Blue Mountain Mission materialized. He went to Verdure, where he lived for a few years. There in 1881 he started a sawpit, and in 1891 he opened the first steam-powered sawmill in San Juan County. Later he returned to Bluff and lived there until his death on June 9, 1919 (Uriah and Beatrice Nielson Family Reunion 1996).