“Always wanted to be the last one to leave the party…”
On Tuesday, December 6, surrounded by his loving family, Jean passed away at his home in Ottawa, on his own terms, at the age of 63. He put up a good fight against cancer since his initial diagnosis 12 months ago. He was glad to see his first grandchild through his first year, to attend his daughter Caroline’s wedding, to have trips with his family, and to spend time with his friends and his extended family.
The second of four children of Céline and Lucien Boutin, Jean had a charmed childhood. He spent his summers and weekends at the family cottage in St. Donat, where his father taught him to downhill ski and water ski.
He met his soulmate Laura at Concordia University in 1981. They married in 1986 and moved to Ottawa, where he raised his family and worked for the federal government for 30 years.
Jean was not defined by his work. He loved being with his family, and spent his free time taking his family camping, hiking, skiing, biking and cottaging. He was overjoyed when he had the chance to bring his family to Paris for a three-year posting, and made sure that they lived the experience to the fullest.
Jean always said that his greatest accomplishment was his children. When his children were grown up, and the “teachable moments” were fewer and farther between, he organized trips with his friends. After his retirement in 2018, he filled his days with volunteering (Canadian Red Cross and the Children’s Aid Society) and great gigs like Mont Tremblant’s Info-Ski and driving RVs down south.
Jean leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Laura; his children Jonathan (Ali Campbell), Caroline (Christophe Ledent), Émilie, and Olivier (Hope Gaze), as well as his grandson Leo. He also leaves behind his mother Céline, and his siblings Hélène, André and Philippe and their families, and his brother-in-law David Harries and his family. There are extended family members and many friends who will miss him terribly. He was often the first guy up the mountain, the last guy to go to bed, and the loudest person in the room.
Many thanks to Dr. Canil, Dr. Fitzgibbon, Dr. Gupta and all of their colleagues for the excellent care provided. They left no stone unturned and we are truly grateful.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 16.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Le fonds Jean Boutin Fund (https://www.ocf-fco.ca/fonds-jean-boutin-fund/). Tax receipts will be provided. Jean’s buddies set up this fund to honour his memory and the many sporting activities they did together over the decades. Through the Ottawa Community Foundation, funds collected will enable less fortunate families and children to participate in sporting activities, something that was very close to Jean’s heart.
Digital Guestbook
Lise Francoeur
TD
Jean’s sense of humour and contagious laugh made the workplace a brighter place. Jean spoke of his wife and children often and did so with such evident adoration. I am truly saddened to hear of his passing.
Dagmar Stonehouse
We will all miss Jean. He was such an extraordinary person who was a welcome new member to our ski club. We were touched by his recent messages to us, showing his strength, courage and grace.
Josée Sarrazin
Quelle triste nouvelle d'apprendre le décès de Jean. Mes plus sincères sympathies à sa mère Céline, à Laura, Hélène, André et Philippe. De très beaux souvenirs d'été à St-Donat me reviennent en tête. Plusieurs incluent le très énergétique Jean qui passait en ski nautique ou en Jeep, les cheveux au vent. Je les chéris bien précieusement. Je pense à vous tous en ces moments très difficiles. En toute amitié. xo
Nicole Monette Boutin et Famille
Quelle triste nouvelle! À toi, Laura, tes enfants et conjoints, Céline, Hélène, André et Philippe et conjoints, nos plus sincères condoléances. C’est une bien grande perte. Si la température le permet, je serai présente vendredi le 16.
Lise et Jean-Francois Boisclair
Nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille Boutin. J’ai eu la chance de travailler avec Jean. Toujours souriant et pleine de vie. Je vous garde tous dans mes prières dans se temps difficile. Il surveille sur vous tous.
Claude et Louise Boudreault
Nous sommes profondément attristés par le décès de Jean.
Nos plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille.
Nos plus chaleureuses pensées vous accompagnent pour vous apporter un peu de réconfort en ces moments si difficiles.
Alicia Malcolm-Robinson
I am so sorry your loss Caro and family. What a beautiful tribute to your Dad who was clearly an incredible man, with enormous love for you.
Monique Dalkowski
Je suis bien attristé du départ de Jean. Mes plus sincères condoléances à Laura et à toute la famille.
Carole Deguire
Trop jeune pour vous quitter... Sincères condoléances à toutes la famille et amis. Carole Deguire
Heartfelt condolences to Laura, his children and the whole family. I have so many wonderful and fun memories of Jean. Our visit while in Paris with Jean and his family was so special. Jean your sense of humor was contagious. Taken away to young a huge loss. Bon courage Laura et les enfants ? Je pense a vous tous.