We regret to announce the passing of our husband, father and grandfather, Larry David Boutilier, aged 73, on May 27, 2021 at the Halifax Infirmary. Larry battled with diabetes and dementia, but is now at rest.
Born in Halifax in 1947, Larry was the eldest son of Vernon and Geraldine (nee Slaunwhite) Boutilier.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; two daughters, Zoe (Seth) and Sarah; one brother, Alan (Debbie); three grandchildren, Cohen, Maya, and Jake; plus several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.
Larry was predeceased by both parents and his youngest brother, Bruce.
After graduating from St. Pat’s High in Halifax, Larry attended the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in the heady days of thel ate 1960s, early 70s. At NSCAD, he flourished as a graphic designer and the suitor of Marilyn, the independent and artistic Cape Bretoner who would become his life partner. He was also part of a motorcycle group who were involved in bringing motorcycle races to Shubenacadie. Larry raced his bike at Atlantic Motorsport Park and Laconia, New Hampshire, enjoying many lively, noisy weekends whose recollection brought him joy for the rest of his life.
Marriage saw him settling down in Cape Breton which was supposed to be a temporary move. However, he fell in love with the Island and here he remained for 47 years! The motorbike racing evolved into a passion for sailing, and Larry lived for sailing and the local sailing race circuit. With his salty fellow crewmen, Hook and Emerson, Larry piloted “Catch the Wind” and “D’owNorth” to multiple dramatic and heated cup wins in Sydney Harbour, East Bay and beloved Baddeck. Fortified with Bacardi, an impressive handicap, and a mastery of the minutiae of sailing rules and regulations, Captain Larry earned a lasting berth for himself in Sydney’s local sailing lore.
During the winters, he loved to curl and was a member of the Sydney Curling Club. He briefly played hockey with a group of like-minded fans as a way to keep fit. He was a life-long Toronto fan whether it was hockey, baseball or basketball. Larry was also an avid chess player, hosting chess sessions for all ages at the McConnell Library and in Eskasoni, and travelling to chess tournaments across Atlantic Canada and Ontario.
After moving to Cape Breton, Larry worked as advertising artist for Schwartz Furniture before moving to ATV as graphic designer. He volunteered every year for ATV’s Christmas Daddies telethon. In his later years, he was a summertime skipper on an Ingonish whale-watching tour boat. Normally a man of few words, in this environment Larry was an impassioned ambassador for his adopted home, charming tourists with high tales of Cape Breton’s history and marine biodiversity.
Larry was quietly and enduringly proud of both his daughters. He admired their creativity and uniqueness, and encouraged them to strive for their dreams. His deep pride extended to his grandchildren, whose accomplishments he followed closely and whom, because of COVID, he wasn’t able to visit for over a year.
We wish to thank the Halifax Infirmary 4.1 section for the care they provided Larry during his stay. Also, the VON for seeing to his comfort at home.
Following Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place whenever COVID restrictions have lifted.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
I am sailing. I am sailing. Home again, ‘cross the sea.
I am sailing stormy waters to be near you, to be free.
I am flying. I am flying like a bird ‘cross the sky
I am flying, passing high clouds to be near you, to be free.
Can you hear me? Can you hear me through the dark night, faraway?
I am dying, forever crying, to be with you. Who can say?
_____ Gavin Sutherland
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Larry David Boutilier 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia