BOUTILIER, AARON WESLEY - We are saddened to announce that Aaron Wesley Boutilier, aged 36, died on 15 January 2015 following a protracted period of time living with cancer, a challenge he faced with remarkable dignity. Aaron was a naturally gentle personality and was very accepting of all. He grew up in Middleton and later in life re-located to several different communities, most recently to New Minas. During his youth Aaron enjoyed participating in the successive groups of the Scouting Movement, the local skating club, and working his way through the Red Cross swimming program. In his teens he took part in the Air Cadet program and spent a couple of years in the Militia. After graduating from Middleton Regional High School in 1998, Aaron enrolled in the cooking program at NSCC Middleton Campus which led to a co-operative placement at the Captain's House Restaurant. Following graduation, he was offered employment there, later travelling to British Columbia and Alberta for work, before returning to Nova Scotia in 2005. Aaron is survived by his parents, Joan and Roger Boutilier of Wolfville and sisters Joy (Greg Foster and Trent) and Grace. He is also survived by his birth parents, Tammy Duncan and Alan (Lisa) Schofield; brothers Richie Schofield and Andy Herx; his former partner and their daughter, Jasmine, and several aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. The family wants to thank all the medical and health services staff who contributed to Aaron's care while in hospitals and at home, as well as the incredible encouragement and support of his friend and room-mate, Ken Robar. A memorial service celebrating Aaron's life was held at Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church in Middleton on Sunday, 18 January at 2 p.m. Donations in memory may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Valley Hospice, Kings County Branch of the Schizophrenia Society or Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Annapolis Valley Funeral Home (Wolfville Funeral Chapel) (902) 542-4656.