It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, Ernest (Ernie) Alfred Boutilier, or “Boots”, 82, on April 18th, 2024, at the QEII Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was born on October 6th, 1941, in Sydney, Nova Scotia, to the late Catherine and Ernest Boutilier.
Ernie was a proud Ashby boy who loved sharing stories of being a rink rat in the Sydney Forum, and of being a lover of harness racing. A natural athlete who grew up playing baseball and hockey, Ernie went to Ontario to play hockey at the young age of 15. After simultaneously working two jobs, going to school, and playing hockey, he returned to Sydney and a few years later met his future bride and best friend Adine MacKay. Skating on a Friday night in Glace Bay, Ernie took her by the hand without a word, and at the same time took her heart. The two married in 1962, and he often shared with his family, right up to his last days, that she was the best thing that ever happened to him.
While being a loving husband with a newborn son, Paul, Ernie continued his studies with an unwavering work ethic that he maintained throughout his life. He became a Chartered Accountant at the young age of 21 in 1963, finishing third in the province. He briefly worked for his brother-in-law Percy Hunt on Charlotte Street before deciding to join the Sydney Steel Corporation (SysCo) in 1964. Ernie worked in several positions, eventually becoming President. In 1988, he was selected to become President of the Cape Breton Development Corporation (DevCo). While finding his replacement for SysCo, Ernie continued as President of both organizations for many months. He was President of DevCo from 1988 until 1996, following which he continued as a Professional Management Consultant for many years, and continued to represent government interests in the province as an experienced and skilled voice. Being a man who loved to work, the continuous demand for his expertise and skill kept him fulfilled. This propelled him into numerous engagements within the community, which included serving on the Board of Directors of St. Francis Xavier University, as the Vice President of the Canada Winter Games in 1987, Director of the Sydney Curling Club, Auditor of the Cove Guest Home, on United Way’s Allocation Committee, executive and coach of minor hockey and baseball teams, Treasurer of the Mental Health Association, accountant for the 2003 World Junior Hockey Championship, and much more. Ernie was recognized as a Fellow of the CA Institute in 1993, earning the prestigious FCA designation. To list all that Ernie has done for all the people in his life, and to tell the story of a man with so many accomplishments, would require many more words, and it is without question that his loved ones look upon his life feeling unbelievably proud.
Ernie often shared stories of his travels to numerous countries, with him and Adine being known to visit as many as possible, either for business or pleasure. One of Ernie’s proudest moments was when son Paul stepped onto the ice for his first NHL game with the New York Islanders. Ernie closely followed Paul’s career, travelling wherever he could to watch him play. He never missed a chance to support his family, taking in his brother-in-law Jack after the passing of Adine’s parents, and playing a significant role in the lives of his children and grandchildren.
He continued his passion for accounting and investing right into his 80s, instilling in his family the value of financial security, investing at a young age, and the importance of helping your family. He valued education and learning highly, and his family and friends could not have asked for a better mentor. They will carry on his legacy and continue to make him proud. Ernie’s legacy is one of kindness and benevolence. His family will remember him as a quiet, calm, loving man who they will miss with all their hearts. He will forever have a starring role in our fondest memories.
Ernie is survived by his wife and best friend of 63 years, Adine, Lower Sackville, son Paul (Jeannie Chow), Dartmouth, daughter Christine (Barry Camp), New Glasgow, four grandchildren Kevin Camp (Katelyn), Truro, Ryan Camp (Pascale), Moncton, Brennan and Jordan Char, Dartmouth, sister Christina “Myrna” Seward, Sydney, brother-in-law Jack MacKay (Nancy), Fredericton, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his daughter Janice, sisters Phyllis, Joan Hunt (Percy), Connie Young (Mick), brothers-in-law Dan MacKay (Doreen), Jimmy MacKay, Frank Seward, nephews Francis Seward, Dennis MacKay, nieces Shirley Hunt, Kimberley Cromwell, parents Catherine and Ernest, and parents-in-law Christine and Archie MacKay.
Visitation will be held at the T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Friday, May 3rd, 6-8 PM, and Saturday, May 4th, 11-1PM.
A gathering of close family and friends will be held at the T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Saturday, May 4th, 1:30 PM.
