Robert Paul Boulton
Robert (Rob) Paul BOULTON (June 19, 1968 – May 26, 2014) of Edmonton, Alberta passed away after living courageously with ALS since 2010.
Rob has left to love and remember him – his wife and best friend of 22 years, Tadra; father Dr. James Boulton; mother, Henriette (John) Belcourt; brothers, James (Anita); Geoff; sister Kathy (Matt) LaFleche; niece and god-daughter Taylor; nephews Jordan and Landon; step-brother Alex (Maureen) Belcourt and step-sisters Kim and Tracey Belcourt; numerous caring aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends; beloved dog Zoe and his gentle caregiver, Arnie Maon. Rob was predeceased by his step-mother, Lynn Boulton.
Rob was a respected leader in his field in the tile industry. After becoming ill, he coined himself an ALS Ambassador, Motivator and Soul Warrior. He spent his time helping educate people about the disease and assisting others with ALS and their families with advice, motivation and inspiration.
An avid golfer, Rob enjoyed traveling to some of the world's best golf courses. The diagnosis of a terminal illness sped up Rob's desire to make a difference and leave his mark on the world. He spent the last few years of his life diligently doing exactly that. He created The Caring Tree Foundation as a way for the everyday Albertan to be a philanthropist.
Rob's journey would not have been possible without the support of the ALS Society of Alberta, the Self-Managed Care program of Alberta Health Services, the iCan Centre at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and the ALS Clinics at the Kaye Edmonton Clinic and Misericordia Community Hospital. Thank you to Dr. Sanjay Kalra and Dr. Janice Richman-Eisenstat, the staff of the ALS Clinics and ALS Society for their amazing commitment to assisting patients and families. The society provided much needed equipment that supported Rob and his family as well as the eye-gaze computer that was his sole means of communicating and made connecting with the outside world possible. Thank you to Su-Ling Goh and Global TV for supporting him with his mission to create awareness and inspire others to get involved. A special thank you to Joe Ternes, President of CattleBoyz BBQ Sauce for honouring Rob by dedicating one of your products to his awareness and fundraising efforts.
Help Rob continue his legacy, by joining his Foundation: TheCaringTreeFoundation.ca or by donating to the ALS Society of Alberta (alsab.ca)
A service will be held St. Thomas More Parish (210 Haddow Close, Edmonton) at 11 am on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 followed by lunch. A family interment will take place at a later date.
Rob’s mantra: We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.
I was deeply saddened by the news of Rob’s passing. My heart felt condolences to Tadra and the entire family.
My deepest sympathies to Tadra, the Boulton family and to Arnie. Rob was truly one of a kind.
Rob, you are an amazing person and you will always hold a special place in my heart. I wish I had met you and your family in another life – you are all inspiring and true warriors. Always remember – ALS steals your body, not your soul. RIP.
Lindsay
Tadra,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. I will always fondly remember the stories of Rob and his golf exploits. You have amazing strength and we are all thinking of you and here for you. Take good care,
Deb
Tadra,My deepest sympathy and prayers on your loss. Your husband accomplished more than many people ever aspire to with his foundation,his strength and compassion for others. He will be greatly missed..prayers also to the rest of the family,it is never easy to lose someone loved so much by so many..Rest in peace good and faithful servant,you have earned your place in heaven.
Dear Tadra and family,
Our thoughts are with you during this sad time. Words are never adequate in moments like these.
A donation has been made to ALS in honour of Rob.
Maurice, Jeannette, Lisa and Mark
Tadra,
Ron and I extend our deepest sympathy to you at this time. Rob was a great inspiration to all. I will remember with fondness the times he would come in to Grey Nuns and share his great sense of humor. Take care.
Vicky
Henriette and Jim… very sorry to here about your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elianne and Ray
Deepest condolences to the family. Fondly remembered at hockey games years ago. Haven’t seen him for a long time, but we knew he was a special person.
Tadra,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Boulton family. I will never forget Rob as a co-worker and a friend for ten years.
Gaye
My deepest sympathies Tadra on Rob’s passing, may he forever rest in peace. I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult and trying this may be and just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and the entire Boulton family. You have amazing strength, stay strong and know that we are here for you. RIP.
Kass
Tadra
Heartfelt sympathies to you and your family on the loss of Rob. Thinking of you and your tremendous strength, courage, and of course, love.
Sharlene
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared with Rob, comfort you now and in the days ahead. I love Rob’s mantra: “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will!” What an amazing legacy! Please accept my deepest condolences Tadra, to you and your family.
Tadra
I am so saddened to hear about the loss of your husband. I read an article about him and the work he has been doing to raise awareness of ALS and you should be so proud of all that he has accomplished. I know you will continue to find strength in his life and legacy and the years of memories made together.
Thinking of you, Tadra, and your family and friends. Your wonderful memories of Rob will carry you through this difficult time. Take care.
Sandra
Tadra, I was deeply sorry to hear of your loss. ALS is a devastating disease. I understand Rob was simply amazing in so many ways, including how he faced this challenge and how he had such an impact through Facebook and other means in raising awareness. Words seem so inadequate when you want to express your support from afar. Please know my heart and prayers are with you and your entire family. Rob lives on in you and your memories. Peace.
Tadra, I’m thinking of you and offer my deepest sympathy on the loss of your soulmate. Having lost a cousin after his seven-year battle with ALS, I understand some of the journey you and Rob experienced. May Rob’s spirit and love of life infuse you with wonderful memories and the energy to help others via his foundation. (We haven’t seen each other since GMCC days and when you were working at the Grey Nuns and I worked at the Alberta Medical Association). Take care.
My condolences to the Boulton, Belcourt and their extended families.
Rob was a great man and will be missed by many but forever in their hearts.
I know it’s been a little over 2 years, but I just learned of Rob’s passing and wanted to offer my condolences to his wife, family, and friends. I only knew Rob way back when we were just teenagers (we went to the same junior high and high schools, and were in the same graduating class). We didn’t know each other very well, but I always thought of him as a nice and friendly kind of guy. I didn’t know him at all as an adult, but it still saddens me to hear that he was taken from his loved ones by such a horrible disease. To everyone who is left to love and remember Rob, I am so sorry for your loss.