Normand Robert Bouthillier

Normand Robert Bouthillier, age 87, died Thursday, August 15, 2019 in Warren. He was born November 18, 1931 in Fall River, Massachusetts to the late Leo Patrick Bouthillier and the late Adrienne (Mongeau) Bouthillier.

Growing up the youngest of three, Normand studied and worked his way through his school years, ultimately graduating from Prevo High School,…the Class of ’49. From there, Normand decided he wanted to further his education which he did by enrolling at Stonehill College in the nearby town of North Easton. A beautiful and historic Catholic college, Normand focused his studies on the written word and spent the next four years working toward his Bachelor’s Degree in English, which he received in 1953. He was an industrious young man who was able to juggle a job amidst his studies, which he did as a stocker at the local Wrigley’s Supermarket.

Now graduated, with his degree in hand, Normand considered seeking a job as a teacher,…right up until he discovered how low the pay scale was for that work in his area. So learning of the many opportunities that Michigan had to offer, Normand picked up stakes and headed for the Mitten State in search of something fruitful and rewarding. He landed in Detroit and was welcomed into the home of his relatives, Uncle Boots & Aunt Madeleine. They were happy to help their nephew get his fresh start in life,…and that it just what unfolded when Normand was offered employment at U.S. Rubber in their Product Development Department. It not only served as a place to start this new chapter in his life, but was also where he met the woman who would become his wife of 62 years, the lovely Miss Carol Kopitzki.

Their working relationship would blossom to courtship, which led to romance,…and the rest was in Cupid’s hands. That little arrow set off a string of events and life-changing moments which led them both to the altar at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Detroit, the year was 1957. These two lovebirds would come to welcome four beautiful children into their fold, and enjoy their 62 years together growing deeper in love with each passing day. For many reasons, Normand and his family became pros at moving and knew many different residences until settling down to include, Detroit, MI, Warren, MI, Chicago, IL, Three Oaks, MI, and then finally to Roseville, Michigan where they lived from 1966 thru 1990,…the longest ever at 24 years,

Over the years, Normand’s career path morphed from that of product development to sales, and his experiences took him from Heinz, back to U.S. Rubber, and finally to the Whitman’s Candy Company where he worked from 1966 thru 1990, the year he finally accepted his well-deserved retirement and embarked upon a whole new chapter in life.

After leaving Whitman’s, he and Carol moved again, this time just a wee bit northeast to the boating mecca of Harrison Township. They dug in their heels and became active citizens of their community. While enjoying his retirement lifestyle, Normand called St. Louis Catholic Church in Mt. Clemens his new home. Though he was active in so many ways at St. Louis, one of his most honored ministries was that of the R.C.I.A., the Right of Christian Initiation for Adults. For those seeking to convert to the Catholic faith, Normand was an integral part of the group’s workings and success. Being a faith-filled man himself, and an esteemed proponent of education, this was truly a ministry he could wrap his heart and mind around in helping others grow stronger in their faith and beliefs.

Normand was quite the avid traveler as well, and did so extensively. From visiting 46 of our 50 beautiful United States,…to exploring destinations such as China, Europe, Scotland and England,…to hopping aboard cruise lines that took him to both Alaska and the Caribbean, seeing the world was not merely a mode of education for him, but a source of great joy and splendor as his senses were pleasantly filled with the beauty this globe of ours has to offer.

Like most guys, Normand certainly had his sporting tastes and appetite. When it meant taking it in on television, two of his greatest passions were the Detroit Red Wings and the Boston Red Sox. (I sense a “red” theme here!) As for participating in sports, little could match the fun and entertainment he derived from bowling and golfing. Whether in search of that elusive 300 Game or Hole-in-One, the main reward was in simply playing the game in the company of family or friends, and Normand knew those moments all-too-well. It was all part of summoning that “balance” that is so important in life and making memories to last a lifetime. Some more of those fond recollections will be of the card games he thrived on. Nothing says fun quite like sitting some players around the table, slingin’ some cards amidst the chatter, and enjoying a bit of friendly competition in the process. The fun was packaged within so many varieties of games, and Normand loved them all. He loved gambling,…and he also loved his food. What he didn’t care for was politics as it always made his blood boil and his blood pressure soar. But there was always something special to soften any challenge for Normand, his precious kitty, “Buttons.”

Yet of all he held most dear and precious, nothing came close to his love of family. He was their shining light in the dark,…a warm blanket when the world got cold,…and a word of encouragement when the going got tough. He lived, laughed & loved in earnest, and fought the good fight of faith. He touched a multitude of hearts and souls as he ministered, prayed, and lifted up the countless lives that passed through his. With each remembrance will come a deeper embrace,…until we can embrace him again in Heaven. He will truly be missed.

He was the beloved husband of Carol (nee: Kopitzki). Loving father of Michael (Barbara), Diane (Michael) Dymczyk, Nancy Tebbe, and the late Donald. Devoted grandfather of Amanda, Andrew, Nicholas, Zachary, Ethan, and the late Charles. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Normand will be held Sunday, August 18th from 2-8 pm, with a 7 pm Scripture Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren.

He will lie in state on Monday from 9:30 am until the time of his Funeral Mass at 10 am at St Louis Catholic Church, 24415 Crocker Blvd. in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Memorial donations are appreciated to St. Louis Catholic Church or St. Vincent de Paul.

Please share memories of Normand at his guest book below.