Obituary of Tommy Boutilier

Thomas William “Tommy” Boutilier Gardiner Mines With broken hearts, we, the family of Thomas William “Tommy” Boutilier, announce his peaceful passing on September 14, 2020. Tommy, born January 2, 1953, to Evelyn (Mackie) and the late Fabian Boutilier (passed in 2007) was a lifelong resident of Gardiner Mines. Tommy found much joy in the great outdoors and made a comfortable home for himself on the shores of Lingan Bay, spending countless hours rowing his boat, ice-fishing, watching the animals, especially the deer and eagles, and enjoying the sunsets…all at his doorstep. Despite Tommy’s health challenges he was hard working, whether it be hauling rocks, splitting wood, planting gardens…whatever took him outdoors. Not one to watch television, Tommy enjoyed listening to the Coast Radio and Celtic music, and writing poetry. Tommy was known for his kind and generous heart and his good sense of humor. At age 25, Tommy was diagnosed with kidney disease. He held the deepest gratitude for his mother, Evelyn, who helped him through the ten months of kidney dialysis before he gratefully received a kidney transplant. This experience led to Tommy’s long-time involvement with the Kidney Foundation. He became a strong advocate on behalf of kidney patients in Cape Breton and took a leadership role in raising public awareness of the need for donors. In recognition of his valuable contributions over the years, Tommy was honored to be named Grand Marshall of the Kidney Foundation Walk in 2017. Tommy is survived and dearly loved by his partner of forty years, Mike Nugent, his mother, Evelyn, and siblings, Donnie (Dolores), Eric (Pearl), Dorothy (Gully, deceased), Fabe (Alana), Leta (Alan deceased), Colette (Sam), and Bradley. He will be sadly missed by his mother-in-law, Beatrice Nugent, Mike’s sisters Debbie and Kimberly. Tommy was a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephews who loved him dearly; David, Lisa, Stephanie, Tricia, Allison, Fabian, Ava and Zoey; as well as twelve grandnephews and grandnieces, especially Chelsea. Tommy will also be missed by Mike’s nieces, Becky and Emma. Thank you to his family physician, Mark Ellerker, physicians, nurses and medical staff of the Cape Breton Regional, Glace Bay General, and QE11 Hospitals, as well as EHS, for their part in Tommy’s care. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. (902)849-4199. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 17 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be held 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Bridgeport, on Friday, September 18 with Fr. Daniel Boudreau officiating, Burial to follow at St. James Cemetery, Gardiner Mines. A reception will take place at the Gardiner Mines Community Hall following the burial. COVID-19 restrictions to be adhered to. Thank you. Donations in Tommy’s memory may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.