My condolences to all the family.
Mr. Fernand Joseph Boutin has been reunited with his wife, Helena Marie (née Cochrane), the love of his life. Fern passed away Friday, May 4, 2012 at the Kirkland and District Hospital, at the age of 89. Fern was a man who epitomized what it meant to be a Canadian. Like many children, at the age of 9 he was expected to put in a few hours of work on the farm before going to school in the morning. He completed his education to the grade 5 level – this was well within the norm for children raised during the depression era. Canada’s growth into the country we have today would not have happened if it were not for people like Fern who toiled long hours to settle northern Ontario. After gaining valuable work experience with his father, Fern ventured out on his own working in the logging industries. Rouyn, Senneterre, Fort Francis, Thunder Bay, Matachewan and Esker Lakes are but a few communities which have grown as a result of the labours of men like Fern and the 25 – 30 men he employed to cut and transport the wood products. At the arbitrary age of 65, people normally retire. Fern was not ready to put himself in a rocking-chair; to the contrary, at 68 he bought City Cab in Kirkland Lake, which he owned and operated for 15 years. He was a quiet unassuming man who could be found working to put a roof over his family’s head and food on the table or he was with his family. The word “me” was not in his vocabulary; the word “work” summed up the ethics which he passed on to his children. Fern will be remembered by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends and neighbours at the Monette & French Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 from 2:00 till 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 till 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be celebrated from the “Teck-Hughes” Chapel of the Monette & French Funeral Home on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with interment to follow in the Kirkland Lake Cemetery. Donations in Fern’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.Fern your smile and laugh will be dearly missed by those who knew you.Offer Condolence for the family of Fernand Boutin