Bruce William Boutet, aged 79, went to heaven on March 19, 2026. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to family, service to country, and a life well-lived. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, 4 daughters, Stacey (Eric), Elizabeth, Elizabeth (Victor), and Kristen (Matthew). Six grandchildren: Isabella, Ryker, Collier, Lucinda, Oren, and Amelia. Brother Jeff (Debby), Terry (Carol), and sister Letia, and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 10, 1946, to Donna Jean Moore and William Henry Boutet. His family moved to Florida when he was 13. Bruce served his country for 4 years in the Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist. After discharge from the Navy, he rekindled his first love of photography and opened his portrait studio in Tequesta, Florida. Later, he moved to Michigan, became a Master Photographer, and opened a portrait studio in Ada. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Stephen's Parish in East Grand Rapids.

Most important to him was his family, faith, friends, fishing, photography, golf, and his grandchildren. He took up playing golf with encouragement from his brother-in-law, Bill. Oh, the stories we could tell! He had a great sense of humor, loved a good joke, liked to play pranks, and had a very soft heart. He loved to teach and share and lived his values. He was so very kind and would always lend a hand with a project. He told great stories. He excelled at snowball fights, playing cards, and games with the grandchildren - he had the patience of a Saint. He loved to travel, and driving to Texas was always a great adventure. Bruce loved spending three weeks in Minnesota in September, fishing and spending time with friends there. He was always up for what was around the next corner, or a new adventure. He was the best!

A celebration of Bruce's life will be held on Saturday, June 20th, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 750 Gladstone SE, East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Family will greet friends in the back of the church from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon, with a Funeral Mass immediately following.

Donations can be made in Bruce's name to: 

Mercy Home for Boys and Girls

1140 W, Jackson Boulevard

Chicago, Illinois 60607

(312) 738-7560

https://www.mercyhome.org/