BOUTILIER STEWART
Comfortably, at the Welland County General Hospital, on Monday, July 12th, 2010, in his 54th year, Stewart Guy Boutilier. Predeceased by his parents, Russell and Olga Boutilier and brothers Kenny and Ronnie Luciow. Husband of Betty Boutilier (nee Kelly) and Father to Ayden and Chance.
To be loved and remembered always by brothers and sisters Dollie Milos (Arthur) of St. Thomas, Richard Luciow, Charlotte Strawn of Cambridge, Deanna Luciow, Edward Luciow, Karen Robillard (Jack), Pat Shedden (Dave), Russell Boutilier (Daniel), Deborah Boutilier and Cindy Andrews. Deepest gratitude goes to Upper Canada Lodge and most recently, the staff and friends of Brain Injury Community Re-entry (BICR) of Niagara. A service/celebration for ‘Stewman’ will be held at the Rex Hotel, King St. Welland on Thursday, July 15th . Service at 6:00 followed by a reception till 8:00pm. To thank them for their kindness and caring, donations to BICR of Niagara, Unit 12, 261 Martindale Rd, St. Catharines, L2W 1A1 would be greatly appreciated.
Fort McMurray and the entire province of Alberta are mourning the loss of one of their most dedicated and influential public servants. Guy Boutilier, the former mayor of Fort McMurray and long-serving member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly, passed away on Friday morning at the age of 68. His passing has left an indelible void in the community he served with unwavering commitment and passion for over three decades. The news of Boutilier’s passing was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from political leaders, community members, and citizens across Alberta. In a heartfelt statement, Sandy Bowman, the current Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, expressed his deepest sympathies to Boutilier’s wife, Gail, his son Mark, and the entire family. “Guy leaves behind a remarkable life of public service and an important legacy in Fort McMurray, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the Province of Alberta,” Bowman said, capturing the essence of Boutilier’s enduring impact on the region he called home.
A Trailblazer in Local Politics Boutilier’s journey into public service began in 1986 when he was elected to the Fort McMurray City Council. Just six years later, at the age of 36, he made history by becoming the youngest mayor in Fort McMurray’s history.
His tenure as mayor was marked by a commitment to advancing the interests of the community and laying the groundwork for its future growth and prosperity. In 1995, Boutilier played a pivotal role in the amalgamation of Fort McMurray and the surrounding areas into the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. He became the first-ever mayor of the newly formed municipality, a testament to the trust and confidence the residents placed in his leadership. Boutilier’s ability to navigate complex challenges and his unwavering dedication to the region earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and constituents alike.
In each role, he brought his trademark passion, intellect, and strength, working tirelessly to advance the interests of his constituents and the province as a whole. Boutilier’s contributions to the province were far-reaching, spanning environmental protection, municipal governance, and Indigenous relations.
He was widely respected for his ability to bridge divides, foster collaboration, and find common ground on complex issues. A Champion for Fort McMurray Despite his provincial responsibilities, Boutilier’s heart remained firmly rooted in Fort McMurray and the Wood Buffalo region. He was a tireless advocate for the community, working to secure funding for critical infrastructure projects, support the local economy, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Boutilier’s dedication to Fort McMurray extended beyond his political roles.
He was deeply involved in the community, supporting initiatives in sports, recreation, education, and overall advancement of the region. His commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community was unwavering, and his contributions will be felt for generations to come.
A Life of Service and Legacy Born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Boutilier’s journey to Fort McMurray was marked by a deep-rooted connection to the community he served. His passion, character, intellect, and strength were evident in every aspect of his life, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence and service. As news of Boutilier’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with leaders from various parties acknowledging his contributions and expressing their condolences. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, in a heartfelt message, said, “We lost a great Albertan today. My friend Guy Boutilier served most honourably as Mayor of Fort McMurray, as a Minister in the Klein government, and was also part of the original Wildrose ‘wolf pack.’
My deepest condolences to his wife Gail, his beautiful family, and all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.” Mayor Bowman, in his statement, acknowledged the difficult days and months ahead for Boutilier’s loved ones and those close to him. However, he expressed confidence that the community would find the strength to build upon the strong foundation Boutilier helped create.
“Rest easy, Guy,” Bowman said. “While the days and months ahead will be difficult for your loved ones and everyone close to you, I know we will again ‘have the energy’ to build on the strong foundation you helped create for all of us.” In honor of Boutilier’s public service and memory, all municipal flags in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo will fly at half-mast, a symbolic gesture acknowledging the profound impact he had on the community he loved. Boutilier’s legacy extends far beyond his political achievements. He was a beloved husband, father, friend, and mentor to many. His unwavering commitment to public service, his dedication to Fort McMurray, and his ability to bring people together will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
