Obituary of Bob Buttars, August, 2024

On August 23, Robert "Bob" Buttars, age 86, of Howick, QC, passed away peacefully after a short illness, at the Barrie Memorial Hospital in Ormstown, Quebec. Bob was survived by his wife of 47 years, Norma Tolhurst, his children Jennifer (Vince), Rob (Kim), Beth (Tara), Kathleen (Phil), and his grandchildren Abby, Owen, Hannah, Griffin, Chelsea, and Charlotte. He also leaves behind his brother Bill (Lise), along with nieces and nephews. Born in Scotland, he immigrated to Montreal in May 1952 with his parents and his younger brother. After high school, he spent a year in the arctic working on Canada's DEW line in Frobisher Bay. After returning to Montreal, he had a long and successful career in the envelope business. In his younger years, Bob had a love of paddling and playing hockey. Subsequently, it was Standardbred horse racing that he and Norma both loved and worked at together for many years, breeding and raising yearlings to sell. As a sportsman, Bob continued to play old-timers hockey for many years, he curled and loved to play golf, especially the 19th hole. Bob enjoyed a happy fulfilling life with his wife, among friends, family, and neighbours. A funeral service and celebration of Bob's life will take place on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Howick United Church, Howick Qc, at 2 p.m., with family receiving condolences 1 hour prior to the service. A reception will follow at the Tres-Saint-Sacrement Town Hall. In Bob's memory, donations may be made to the Women's Auxiliary at the Barrie Memorial Hospital, the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice. Bob, your steadfast presence, sense of humour, and your smile, will be missed. Rest in peace.

Bobby Buttars seen here in the front of the boat as the stroke of the Senior War Canoe in 1958.
That year, the crew won the senior 1000 meter war canoe race and came in second in the mile race at Mooney's Bay.
Bobby was re-known for setting the required pace through the start, several series and finish segments of the war canoe races.
There was excellent coordination between the coaching of George Bossy, captaincy and steering of Vince Ramsay as well as the pace-setting of Buttars
that allowed the Cartierville Senior crews to win both Senior War and Mile War for 5 straight years 1959 - 1963.
Bobby grew up at the Cartierville Boating Club, won medals in Juvenile War canoe and Junior C4.
But he was best know for his stroking of the Men's Senior War Canoe and their many Canadian Championships