Boutilier CD2, CPO2 (Ret’d) John C. – It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. John passed peascefully in CEHHC, Truro with his family surrounding him.
John was born in Glace Bay to Elizabeth (Hayes) and the late Hubert Boutilier.
After high school graduation, John attended Mount Allison University in NB but after a year he found himself going into a new direction and joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1977. John served his country for 34 years and 9 months. During that span he served aboard His Majesty’s Ships Assiniboine, Ottawa, Fraser, Saguenay, Fredericton, Ville de Quebec, Montreal, Charlottetown and Iroquois. His shore postings were spent at CFFS Halifax, CFB Halifax, CFS Shelburne, CFNES Halifax, FMF Cape Scott and DGMEPM Hull, Ontario. It was while at CFS Shelburne that he met his wife of 37 years, Mannie and began a life together of raising their small family.
Better known as “Boots” to his large circle of friends, it was only Mannie who called him John, which always made him laugh because it made his friends wonder who she was referring to.
John had many loves, the sea was his favourite place to be while serving, especially the North Sea on NATO trips, “the rougher the waters the better” he would say.
After retirement John got to enjoy many of his hobbies, he purchased his dream motor bike and joined the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Chapter 15 in Truro. He held many positions during the time he was a member. John and Mannie would take long trips on the spur of the moment to New Hampshire, PEI and Newfoundland on that bike.
John was also a member of the Stewiacke Legion and held the position of 1st VP for one term.
John loved a good game of cribbage and taught his wife and kids how to play and letting them win initially a game or two. He was also an avid reader and read every Stephen King novel printed. He loved making his own beer and wine that he would enjoy with the meals he would cook for his family. He loved baking for the kids and was not afraid to try any recipe, but his favourite was cooking Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner for his family whether in Stewiacke or Cape Breton.
John leaves behind, to remember all the beautiful memories made, his wife of 37 years, Manuela “Mannie” (Odorico); children, Kendra (Mike) and Steven (Kiesha); mother, Elizabeth (Hayes) Boutilier; brothers, Brent and Wayne; sisters, Bernadette (Joe) and Rose Anne; and several nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his father, Hubert Boutilier; sister, Sylvia Lyons; and infant grandson, Benjamin Vernon John Boutilier.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
As per John’s request, no funeral service will be held but a Celebration of Life BBQ will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, John requests donations, if you wish, be made to Canadian Cancer Society.
“Fair Winds and Following Seas” my Love, you will be forever in our hearts.
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