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5 years
Submitted by katrina on Wed, 12/07/2022 - 03:51:PM

“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. 

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/08/2022 - 10:36:AM

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Richard Maurel

Je suis sincèrement désolé d'apprendre le départ de Jean, Laura, et je t'offre mes condoléances les plus sincères et toute ma grande sympathie. Je me doute qu'il te manquera énormément, et je t'offre tout mon soutien durant cette épreuve. Amicalement et respectueusement, Richard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/08/2022 - 12:29:PM

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Michel Tessier

Mes sincères Condoléances à vous tous.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/08/2022 - 02:51:PM

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Claude Paré

Repose en paix cher ami et collègue. Quand je pense à toi, je vois ton débordant d’énergie et ton sourire.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/08/2022 - 03:43:PM

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Laura Peck

Jean and his family were the people that you had fun with. He lived such a healthy fulfilling life and adored his wife. His sense of adventure was contagious. Sad for all his relatives and his legion of friends.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/08/2022 - 03:44:PM

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JOSE SEMRAU

My deepest condolences to you, Laura, and to your entire family
José

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/08/2022 - 05:00:PM

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Maia Siedlikowski & Family

Dear Laura, Jo, Caroline, Émi, and Olivier,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. I’ll always remember our last weekend with one another in Lachute - Jean taught me how to light a great fire! Then he insisted we blow out our birthday candles together. I feel so fortunate to have gotten to know such a bright, charismatic, & caring man. What a profound loss.
May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/08/2022 - 09:12:PM

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Loretta Beacham

Laura, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Condoléances à vous tous.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/09/2022 - 01:48:AM

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Julia Burpee

Jean, unique and influential beyond words, you will be missed by so very many. I’m so sorry for this enormous loss.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/09/2022 - 09:27:AM

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Erica et Chris (amis de Jonathan et Ali)

Nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille au complet. Une perte immense, mais un héritage remarquable.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/09/2022 - 10:48:AM

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Emmanuelle Hodgson

Chère Laura, je n'ai jamais eu la chance de rencontrer Jean personnellement, mais je vous savais très unis. Ce texte me permet de connaître un peu mieux cet être magnifique. Bon courage à toute la famille.

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