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Ray "Butch" Mains
12-24-1942 to 4-17-2024
My dad was adventurous, athletic, passionate, loving, a good dad and a fun grandpa. He was one of the best photographers Maui has ever seen, an accomplished scuba diver and instructor. He loved teaching photography and had the best time taking his classes on field trips to see and capture the beauty of Maui. His life the past several years has not been what anyone would have wanted, it would have been more suiting for him to have had some crazy shark attack or falling out of a helicopter ending, but we don’t get to choose how or when we die. We cherished the time with him nonetheless. There were some challenging days. Other times he was his friendly self, still flirting with the nurses and CNA’s. We miss you already dad, a hui hou  and good night.
Written by his daughter Leilani.
The article below is by a friend.
I lost a very dear friend today …My world is much lonelier. In Hawaii before drones there was GpButch Kapena, Ray Mains. Capturing the islands in photographs from the sky by helicopter Ray would bravely do what needed to be done to get those renowned shots that he was famously known for. We met in his photography class on the college campus on Maui and after just a brief conversation we discovered how much we had in common. He was always someone I could talk to when I needed it. I will always remember the photo shoot opportunities that I had with him from weddings, waterfalls to Rodeos and the PGA Championship tournament in Kapalua. Walking by his side along the fairways and sitting around the greens as the players played through will be something I will never forget. Ray was a Christian man, proud Marine and an incredibly proud father always speaking of his daughter. To me he was a very close friend that I will never forget. RIP
Butch was a proud young Marine
Butch and Bill Huxford were the two Seniors on the MHS State Champion Gymnastics team.
Jeanice Wirstlin Johnston and Butch
Jeanice stopped to visit Butch just 11 months before she passed away.
Butch's 80th Birthday with his
Granddaughter Mariah Noelani
Butch with daughter Leilani
The article below is by a friend.
I've know Ray since I was 8 years old, he rescued my mom, my brother, and I up on Haleakala. He was effectively my father for a lot of my childhood, and I knew him for nearly 40 years. He is responsible for many things in my life including my photography obsession. We took photos of PGA championships, rodeos, waterfalls, and many other things. He taught me how to scuba dive, open a beer the "Ray way", and introduced me to "Maid Rites" from Iowa. I loved him with all that I am, and he was my family. Ray, you were an amazing human and so much to so many. I'll see you again one day. Semper Fi Marine!
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Arch Allison
Butch was a great guy, Duff Brink and I would text back and forth with him while he was photographing the PGA events in Hawaii. Those tournaments are in January and we'd be knee deep in snow and cold weather, especially Duff in Minnesota, and he'd be sending pictures of the beautiful green, warm, golf courses. OHe'd let us know what he was wearing and about where he was so we could look for him. It made watching the tournament more fun for me. Butch offered to get me in as his "assistant " at the tournament so I could get inside the ropes, I regret never getting the chance to do that.
Butch was a great Dad, I remember him bringing his daughter to at least one of our class reunions. He also mentioned her when we'd text, she was an important part of his life.
my condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace, my friend
Marilyn Thomas (Mathews)
Butch, was a close friend. He will be missed and I will remember many, many years, that Butch was a great friend, of mine.....even when he worked ,at the Maid-rite..Good memories, for sure. I send my deepest sympathy, to all of his family. Keeping all, of Butch's family, close..in prayer. Marilyn Thomas Mathews..