Real Arthur Bouthillier, 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 21, 2023, in Port Charlotte, Florida. He was third of eleven children born to Anne Marie Theberge and Omer Christophe Bouthillier on November 26, 1928, in Martinville, Quebec, Canada.

Those who knew him remember Real as kind, humble, hardworking, and always considerate of the happiness and well-being of his family. He left school after finishing fifth grade to help support his family by working on a neighbor’s farm. A few years later, Real moved from Quebec to Beecher Falls, Vermont, where he worked for the Ethan Allen Furniture Corporation. A man of many talents, Real worked for many years as a farmer. He owned and ran his own farms in Colebrook, New Hampshire and many years later in Moody, Missouri. In the 1970s he worked as a head herdsman for the Coos County Farm, in West Stewartstown, New Hampshire. In 1973, Real was credited for the County Farm’s outstanding milk production levels when it was recognized as a top producer by the New Hampshire and New England Holstein Associations.

In the 1980s, after selling his Missouri farm, Real and his second wife, Lucille, moved to Wakefield, Rhode Island, to manage Carolyn Adams’ Country Barn. It was during this time that Real had time and a small workshop for exploring his creative side. Having enjoyed drawing at a young age, he took drawing and painting lessons as a hobby. He also enjoyed staining or painting unfinished furniture.

Real and Lucille relocated to Port Charlotte, Florida, in 2003. Real was well-known among family and friends for his baking abilities, regularly making apple and berry pies, homemade bread, and his legendary Boston Baked Beans. Always valuing friendship, Real would often make gifts of his baked goods to friends and neighbors. He is equally remembered for an unfailing green thumb, growing vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and in his later years, a magnificent rose garden bordering the lanai of his Florida home.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Lucille (Noyes) Bouthillier and is survived by his daughter Jane Sanzone (and her husband Richard); two stepsons, Wayne and Gary Brockney (and wife Lucy); brother Claude Bouthillier (and wife Doris); sisters, Georgette Zukoski and Ellen Hughes (and husband Irving); and a number of nieces, nephews, step grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and close friends.

A life-long and devout Catholic, Real was a member of St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church, Port Charlotte, Florida. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church in Port Charlotte. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Vincent DePaul or Tidewell Hospice.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.