Arthur R. BOUTIN

LOWELL -- Arthur R. Boutin, 78, a World War II veteran and longtime Lowell resident who had been a city worker for 36 years, died Saturday, Nov. 26. For 54 years, he was the loving husband of Claire (Topjian) Boutin, who died in 2001.He was born in Lowell, the son of the late Hercules and Laura (Sicard) Boutin, and raised in the city. During World War II, Mr. Boutin served in the Army and Merchant Marines. He and his wife married in the late 1940s, and settled in Lowell.For 36 years, he worked for the city of Lowell, retiring as a foreman. Mr. Boutin also received the key to the city in August 2001.He was a member and past commander of the Franco-American Veterans of Lowell. He was also a member of the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife.He enjoyed fishing, beaches, and spending time with his family.He is survived by two sons, William of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Michael of Manchester, N.H.; three daughters-in-law, Virginia Boutin of Manchester, N.H., Shirley Boutin of Brookline and Marilyn Cortez of Florida; five grandchildren, Robin and Christine Boutin of Manchester, N.H., Candy and her fiancé, Eric Vasey of Salem, N.H., and Dawn and Luke Fontanez of Anderson, S.C.; three great-grandchildren, Sandy and Devin Chase of Manchester, N.H. and Patrick Kerner of Anderson, S.C.Mr. Boutin also leaves several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including, James and Christine Volianites of Dracut, with whom he lived prior to getting ill; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Louise and Martin Roy of Manchester, N.H., Jeanne St. Cyr and Georgette St. Onge of Dracut; and a special friend, Mildred Clogstown of Tewksbury.Mr. Boutin was also the brother of the late, Eddie, Jerry, Emile "Mike" and Paul Boutin, and the late Blanche Carrigan and Cecile Duruble. He was also the grandfather of the late Richie Boutin of Florida and great-grandfather of the late Marie and Faith Boutin of Manchester, N.H. Published in the Lowell Sun on 12/2/2005.