Bob Boutilier

1937 - 2024

Bob Boutilier

Amherst, MA - Dr. Robert F. Boutilier, 86, formerly of Amherst, MA, Bridgewater State University Professor of Geology, Emeritus, died Feb. 5, 2024, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, at Harbor Point at Centerville, MA. He was raised in Methuen and North Andover by the late Arthur and Marie (McNally) Boutilier. He attended Boston University, where he earned his AB, AM, and PhD degrees in geology. He married his high school sweetheart, Ruth (Fessenden), in 1963.

Dr. Boutilier taught at Boston University and the University of New Hampshire until joining the faculty of Bridgewater State in 1965. He eventually served as chair of the Earth Science and Geography Department at Bridgewater. The university awarded him the 1994 V. James DiNardo Excellence in Teaching Award.

He and Ruth retired to Plymouth, MA, where they enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He later lived in Amherst, MA, where he was a volunteer English tutor for new immigrants.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Ruth, and his sister, Janice Boutilier. He is survived by son and daughter-in-law Scott and Sharion Boutilier of Sandwich, MA; son and daughter-in-law Glenn Boutilier and Justine Para of Wareham, MA; and son and daughter-in-law Rob and Emily Boutilier of Amherst MA; grandchildren Joshua, Elizabeth and Samantha Boutilier; brother and sister-in-law William and Patricia Boutilier of North Andover, MA; and nieces and nephews Stacey Symanowicz, Ellen Peters and Kevin Boutilier.

A private memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of donations or flowers he would want you to spend that time, energy and money on your family.