Born: 1954 (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Died: 2006
Biography:
Susan Howlet Butcher was an American dog musher who left an indelible mark on the sport of dogsled racing. Born on December 26, 1954, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she developed a deep love for dogs and the outdoors from an early age. Butcher’s passion for working with sled dogs and her unwavering determination would lead her to become one of the most renowned mushers in history.
Butcher completed her secondary education at the Warehouse Cooperative School before enrolling at Colorado State University. She later pursued her dream of becoming a veterinary technician, a profession that allowed her to not only care for animals but also enhanced her understanding of sled dogs and their physical well-being.
In pursuit of her love for dogsled racing, Butcher made the bold decision to move to the picturesque Wrangell Mountains region of Alaska. It was there that she honed her skills and started training to compete in the grueling Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The Iditarod, a treacherous 1,112 to 1,131-mile race through arctic blizzard conditions across the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, is known for testing both the endurance of the mushers and the resilience of their dogs.
Butcher’s commitment to her craft was evident in her dedicated efforts to build a formidable team of dogs. In exchange for dogs to add to her team, she spent two years working for Iditarod founder Joe Redington. This experience not only provided her with valuable knowledge but also solidified her connection to the race she aspired to conquer.
In 1979, Butcher achieved a remarkable feat when she and Redington, along with Ray Genet and two others, became the first team to make a dog-sled ascent of Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. This extraordinary achievement demonstrated Butcher’s unwavering determination and her ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
Butcher’s Iditarod journey was not without obstacles. In 1985, tragedy struck when two of her beloved dogs were killed by a crazed moose, despite Butcher’s valiant efforts to defend her team. Thirteen other dogs were also injured, forcing her to withdraw from the race. It was that year that Libby Riddles, a relative newcomer, made history by becoming the first woman to claim victory in the Iditarod.
Undeterred by the setback, Butcher returned stronger than ever. In 1986, she emerged as the first woman to clinch the Iditarod title, making her mark on the sport’s history. Butcher’s triumphs did not end there; she went on to win in 1987, 1988, and 1990, becoming the second four-time winner and the first to accomplish this feat in four out of five sequential years. Her incredible achievements placed her amongst the elite group of four-time Iditarod winners, including Martin Buser, Jeff King, Lance Mackey, Doug Swingley, Dallas Seavey, and Rick Swenson.
Beyond her accomplishments on the racecourse, Butcher left an indelible impact on society. Her dedication to the sport inspired countless others to pursue their own dreams and pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible for women in male-dominated fields. Butcher’s extraordinary achievements transcended gender expectations, solidifying her place as a trailblazer and an empowering figure for women around the world.
Butcher’s personal life was equally significant. On September 2, 1985, she married fellow dog racer David Monson, with whom she had two daughters named Tekla and Chisana. Through her role as a wife and mother, Butcher exemplified the power of balancing family life with pursuing one’s passions and defying societal norms.
Tragically, Susan Butcher’s life was cut short by cancer on August 5, 2006, at the age of 51. Her passing was mourned by the entire dog mushing community and beyond. To honor her contributions to the sport, Alaska designates December 17 as Susan Butcher Day each year.
Susan Butcher’s legacy lives on as a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and breaking barriers. Her unwavering spirit and unparalleled achievements have forever solidified her place among the greatest dog mushers in history, leaving an enduring impact on women’s history and inspiring future generations to chase their dreams.
Awards:
– Four-time winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race (1986, 1987, 1988, 1990)
– Inducted into the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame