DONALD JOHN "BOOTS" BUTORAC

(February 12, 1938 – November 12, 2025) Despite Donald's bout with Cardiovascular Disease and Dementia, he remained a "people person" to the very end. He waved to strangers in hallways, brought laughter to his doctors, nurses and caregivers, and shared his love of life with all. Donald was a true believer in family first. He and Suzanne built a home that was full of love, laughter, raucous debate, chores and many memories. Donald was predeceased by his wife, Suzanne Butorac (nee Bridgman); and his first-born daughter, Natalie. He is survived by his children, Mark (Mira), Jason (Karen), Mary Paula (William), Andrea (Yves) and David (Emily). He was a loving and joyful grandfather to Nastasia, Jake, Nicholas, Gabriel, Christian, Jude, Lauren, Hannah and Eva-Marie. Donald was blessed to have Roslyn Gacho remain at his side as his very dear friend and caregiver after the loss of his wife. Donald was proud of his hometown, Kirkland Lake, Ontario, where he was raised by his mother, Jean, and father, Frank Butorac. Don never tired of teasing and watching over his three sisters, Sharon, Orianna and Pamela, whom he loved dearly. In Kirkland Lake, Donald also met one of the most influential people in his life, Flying Father Costello. Father Costello taught him the importance of kindness and the value of mentorship. Upon leaving Kirkland Lake, Donald followed in his father's footsteps and became a Canadian Tire dealer, travelling with his growing family through Southwestern Ontario. As a dealer, his love for people and his natural gift as a mentor continued to grow. Donald spent tremendous amounts of time with his staff, teaching, sharing stories and always asking about family and friends. He always enjoyed mentoring his employees, a number of whom developed further within Canadian Tire and become successful Dealers. Community was also very important to Donald, and he was always happy to give his time. Donald was especially proud to advocate for the development of an assisted living community in downtown Oakville and equally proud to sit on the Board of Hockey Canada. Here he worked with great minds to help continue the development of both men's and women's competitive hockey in Canada and abroad. Donald made many wonderful, lifelong friends, most who shared his love of sport. He gravitated to the ice in his youth, but was later pulled to fairways, golf greens and driving ranges. A special thanks to Dr. Douglas Milloy for his kindness, support and ongoing patience over many years. Additionally to all staff at OTMH, as well as Christina, Fatima and Lorielyn for their fastidious care. Visitation will be at Kopriva Taylor Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, on Monday, November 17th, from 4-7 p.m. Funeral Mass on Tuesday, November 18th, at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew's Church, 47 Reynolds Street, Oakville. Interment at Trafalgar Lawn Cemetery, followed by a Celebration, location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Brain Canada" Dementia Research organization. Online condolences at www.koprivataylor.com.