Obituary of John Lawrence Boutilier

Boutilier, John Lawrence- With heartbreak that will last for the rest of our lives, our family is grieving the loss of our husband, father and grandfather, John Lawrence Boutilier (Johnny, Mr. B, Boots, Dad, Poppa) Devoted husband of Ann Shirley (Jessome) Boutilier cherished father and father in law to Nicole (Bobby MacLean) and Denise (Jason Brown) and beloved grandfather to the FAAAB Five: Ainslie, Burke, & Annika Murray and Fionna & Aine Brown. He is also survived by his loving brother in law Ron (Mary) Jessome. We want you to know that he had the best day on March 25 /2023. Along with Janice and Natalie, we pulled off surprising he and Mom with Denise showing up from Alberta for supper at the Bicycle Thief. He licked his plate clean and even had another 80th birthday celebration when the waitress brought him a gelato with a candle. After supper, he was on his way to see his granddaughter Annika in The SpongeBob Musical, and he never arrived after dropping off mom to the front door which was his custom. (We prefer to think he was watching from a different seat above.) His grandson Burke was his hero running all over the parking complex and building, finding his truck and then him, and performing CPR for 45 minutes. Born in North Sydney to Lillian (Dunphy) and John Boutilier, he came into the world full of energy and life. His mother (to him, “Tootsie”) would tell of his adventures including falling out of a tree at 18 months, and backing the car into the fence at 12. He played sports, worked at the post office and lifeguarded, and fell in love with cars at an early age. He was predeceased by his parents and his younger brother Freddie. He met the love of his life, Ann Shirley, in high school, and this was their 53rd year of marriage. He was the first in his immediate family to attend university; initially at Nova Scotia Teachers College, and later at StFX university. Mom supported him through these years teaching highland dancing and piping, and he would hitchhike home to Cape Breton to see her. His life was devoted to Ann Shirley and the home and family they built together. They moved to New Glasgow in 1968 and made their life there with their daughters. He was a Dance Dad before that was a thing, was in the audience and stands for every game and performance, and every time you needed him whether it was to pick you up, fix something, or to find a way to solve your problem. This continued for his grandchildren as well. He was a teacher, starting in a one room school house in Boutilier’s Point and then teaching history at East Pictou Rural High School. He also had various roles as guidance counsellor, vice principal and principal over his 30 year career in education at EPRHS, Thorburn Consolidated and at AG Baillie Elementary School. He coached various sports wherever the need arose, filling gaps so the students would be able to play hockey, basketball or soccer. He knew every student by first and last name in every school he worked in, and after retirement for the next 30 years of his life, he was stopped all over Pictou County by grateful parents, students and coworkers with stories of his support to their families. His daughter, Denise followed in his footsteps, and he also inspired his granddaughter Ainslie to pursue a career in education. The love for his family was the only thing that eclipsed his love of cars. An antique car enthusiast, and past president of the Pictou County Antique Car Club, he organized the Antique Car show for over 40 years. His cars were more than a hobby, and he travelled all over Canada and the USA to swap meets and car shows. Johnny always sold used cars on the side, and after retirement opened Mr. B’s auto sales in Trenton. He made many close friends through cars over the years including the late Charley Fulmore, George ( Jordy ) Boggs, the boys from the dealerships, and too many to list. He continued to this day doing appraisals and going on road trips searching for cars and parts. He loved a beautiful day so that he could take the ‘32 Roadster or the ‘35 Ford Half-ton on a run with his friend Jim. Retirement also gave he and Mom the ability to travel and they went on many adventures including a trip of a lifetime to Greece. His most recent post Covid travel was to Calgary before Christmas to see his granddaughters Fionna and Aine in their activities and sports. His pride and delight in his grandchildren was unparalleled. A member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, he will be missed by the congregation and especially the Thursday morning men’s group. He served in many roles over the years including being a founding member of the North End Recreation Centre. His community and faith were important to him. He also loved his grand-dogs Sydney and Hazel who he would walk, take in his car and even to church if the need arose. Kennedy, Jessome, and Kippy spent many years by his side. As many will remember, he beat the odds in 2009 when he survived a ruptured aorta and he never wasted one minute in the years that followed. He was in the stands for basketball when StFX lost to Carleton in the CIS final a few weekends ago with his grandchildren and their friends. He was in the stands every Thursday night to watch his Junior A Crushers hockey. He celebrated his 80th birthday with the ladies of Brookside Avenue (who will miss him dearly) and family. He spent countless hours in Braeshore at the Brown cottage trying to get it ready for summer post Hurricane Fiona. He read every new book that came out, every car magazine and black book, saw every sports game, and quietly visited those who needed a friend or support. His life was full of love and purpose, and we feel a large gaping hole in our lives. Every day going forward will be for him as he would want us to try our best to be our best. He was the best to all of his family and friends, or the stranger in the grocery line. He never stopped moving or helping everyone he knew. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Community Rooms at the Pictou County Wellness Centre, 2-2756 Westville Road, Pictou County, Nova Scotia on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023 at 4 pm. A drop in reception will follow the service from 5-7 pm. Arrangements are under direction of the HW Angus Funeral Home New Glasgow. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the A.G.Baillie Memorial School 477 Victoria Ave, New Glasgow NS B2H 1X1 ( Breakfast Program), St Andrews Presbyterian Church (The Kirk), New Glasgow , or the Aberdeen Health Foundation (Population Health fund) angusfuneralhomes.com “Morning has broken like the first morning, blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!”