Calvin Arnold Boutilier
Born In: Coxheath
Born: March 22nd, 1929
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: July 7th, 2016
We, the family of Calvin Arnold Boutilier, regret to announce his passing on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born March 22, 1929, in Coxheath, he was the son of the late Arthur and Mabel Elizabeth (MacNeil) Boutilier.
Calvin's career spanned years as a police officer in the Sydney Police Force, Director of Physical Education at the YMCA, Children's Aid Officer in Nova Scotia and 30 plus years as a probation officer.
Calvin was heavily involved in the sport of judo and was one of the first men in Cape Breton to achieve the level of black belt. As an original builder of the sport in Cape Breton, he trained and coached all levels of students from youth level up to self defence for police and military personnel across the province. Some of the highlights of his judo involvement included, coaching the N.S. judo contingent for the first Canada Winter Games held in Saskatchewan in 1971, training with the great Japanese master, Hiroshi Nakamura, competing against the Japanese Navy Judo team and coaching the N.S. judo team to a gold medal at the Eastern Championships in 1973. These achievements culminated in 2013, when Calvin was inducted into the N. S. Judo Hall of Fame, being recognized as a primary builder of the sport in Cape Breton. Later endeavours and pastimes he pursued included, learning to play the classical guitar, photography and sailing the Bras d’Or lakes. Health issues restricted his later life, so time spent with June, sailing the waters of Baddeck, provided many warm and happy memories. Not to be forgotten is the companionship of his and June’s "Little Buppha". He was a member and elder of the former St. Andrew’s United Church, Sydney.
Calvin is survived by his wife, June (Halliday); daughter, Gwen (Jim) Lappin, Riverview, N.B.; son, Mark, Sydney; sister, Joyce (Sherman) Robinson, Kentville, Joan Boutilier, Halifax; grandchildren, Matthew Lappin, Toronto, Ont. and Janet (Craig) Langer, Oromocto, N.B.; stepchildren, Wayne (Sandra), Donna (Mike) and Allan (Paula); step-son-in-law, Bill; 11 step-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Jacqueline (Campbell); his sister, Louise MacLean and stepdaughter, Debbie Bourris.
There will be no visitation. Interment will take place in Hardwood Hill Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the SPCA, Cape Breton Branch, Canadian Cancer Society or the Diabetes Association of Nova Scotia.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
