“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
Julie Lamothe
Claude et Ginette Baker
Nos plus sincères condoléances Laura et toute la famille
Joanne Bernard
My deepest condolences to your family. I was shocked to hear this sad news. Jean seemed like an eternal fountain of youth.
I knew Jean through work, and his optimism and joie de vivre shone there too.
Ginette Breton
Je me rappelle très bien de Jean, j’étais une collègue de travail depuis les années 1990. Il était tellement travaillant et plein d’énergie, et au fil des années lorsqu’on se croisait dans les corridors on arrêtait pour se jaser et prendre de nos nouvelles. Je suis tellement triste d’apprendre son décès. J’aimerais souhaiter mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille et bon courage pendant ces moments difficiles.
Maurice and Sherri Tayeh
We will cherish our wonderful memories in Paris together. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our sincere condolences sweet Laura, Caroline, Jonathan, Emi and Olivier.
Eloise Sheppard
Very sincere condolences to you, Laura, and your family.
I chime in also that although not having met him, it's clear that Jean was a very wonderful and generous man.
CHRISTINE CÔTE
C'est avec une grande tristesse que j'apprends le décès de Jean, nous avons eu une jeunesse pleine de plaisirs et jeux d'enfants, Jean était une personne gentille avec tous et pleine d'énergie. Avec lui, nous avons fait du ski nautique mais pas du ski ordinaire, des pyramides, du ski sur pieds... Il aimait le défi et tout ce qui était difficile, il n'y avait rien à son épreuve.
Mes condoléances à toute la famille, mes pensées sont avec vous.
Amitié
Amina Moustaqim-Barrette
Laura, Emi, Jonathan, Caroline et Olivier,
Je pense fort à vous. Je me souviendrai toujours de Jean comme père dévoué, un homme accueillant et généreux avec une forte joie de vivre et de famille. Alex and I are sending all our love to your family and wishing you strength during this difficult time.
Anne Bertrand
À vous tous; Laura, Jonathan, Caroline, Émilie, Olivier, Mme Boutin, Hélène, André, Philippe et vos proches,
En pensée avec vous pendant ces moments difficiles que vous traversez. Une grande perte pour la société. Je garde un souvenir impérissable d'un homme bon, joyeux, plein d'énergie, rassembleur et déterminé mais parti bien trop vite. Son être tout entier transpirait le bonheur et il savait le partager.
En souhaitant que les souvenirs heureux vous aideront à apaiser votre chagrin.
Sincères condoléances à vous tous.
D'une amie de jeunesse, Anne.
Kathy Simpson
My sincere condolences to Jeans’ family for you loss. Jean will be missed by so many! He always made learning fun and enjoyed our downtime when he was In the west teaching. RIP Jean!
J ai connu Jean au travail et toujours apprécié de le côtoyer. Mes plus sincères sympathies à toute la famille.