Gilbert "Gil" Cloutier

Gilbert Normand “Gil” Cloutier, 64, arrived to his heavenly home on Friday morning, May 12, 2023.

He lived a life full of love and devoted himself to serving others.  Gil was born on June 19, 1958, in Newport, Vermont.  He was the oldest of four boys born to Real & Aline Cloutier of Quebec, Canada. At a very young age, Gil and his family moved to West Palm Beach and then later to Jacksonville, Florida. During this time, Gil would tell you that fourth grade was the longest three years of his life.

Gil was a member of the Edward H. White High School graduating class of 1977, where he met his wife Cynthia (Cindy) Philyaw Cloutier.  He was a member of JROTC and they both sang in the chorus. Gil and Cindy were married on November 3, 1979.  Gil explored many careers in his lifetime including the United States Coast Guard, volunteer fire fighter, state certified Emergency Medical Technician, commercial truck driver, and finally a general contractor and roofer.  He owned his own construction and roofing business for over 30 years.  He worked alongside his father-in-law Tom, his father Real, his brother Marc, and then later was joined by his two sons Kyle and Kevin.

Gil also loved using his gifts to honor the Lord and serve children. He was blessed to go on numerous mission trips to include Guatemala, the Philippines, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Gil shared the gospel of Jesus while also helping to provide medical and construction aid to the villages. Gil would also go on to lead the children’s puppet ministry, in which he gave life to a small, blue, fuzzy character “Waldo”.  When he was not building sets and sharing Jesus through his puppets, Gil could be found leading the Awana Club as club Commander. Gil loved working with kids and the kids loved Gil.  As the years passed and his own children got older, Gil found another passion of his, coaching. Gil’s wrestlers were among his favorites, and he loved spending countless hours on the mats teaching technique and building character.  In recent years, Gil could be found serving on the security team at The Church at Argyle.  He also enjoyed spending time with and sharing meals often with his friends and small groups.

In his spare time Gil loved to hunt, fish, go boating or do anything involved with the outdoors. Gil always included others on these adventures and if you were lucky enough to spend time with him there, you were sure to get a laugh. Many stories can be told about Papa falling out of the boat, catching a rockfish, or tripping over a stump as he walked to his tree stand. His life was full of fun and purpose. Gil never met a stranger and never passed a person in need without lending a helping hand. Above all, Gil was a family man. He loved his beautiful bride of 43 years, adored each of his four children, and cherished the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren. Gil was the ultimate Papa. He made every effort to attend the games, the awards ceremonies, the Grandparents Day breakfasts, or any other event that he was invited to.  He was also extremely proud of each and every single one of his grandchildren. Gil generously poured out his praise and love and he let others know they mattered and were seen.

He was predeceased by his father, Real Cloutier, a brother, Guy Cloutier, and his father-in-law, Thomas Philyaw.

Gil leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Cynthia Cloutier;  daughter and son-in-law, Christi & Robert Amos; son and daughter-in-law, Kyle & Rhonda Cloutier; daughter and son-in-law Kayla & Wesley Rogers; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin & Lea Cloutier; his mother, Aline Cloutier; mother-in-law, Mildred Philyaw; thirteen grandchildren, Aiden Amos, Ava Amos, Evan Rogers, Aubrey Rogers, Carter Rogers, Jameson Rogers, Hunter Cloutier, Shelby Cloutier, Jaxon Cloutier, Carter Cloutier, Weston Cloutier, Jessie Johnson, and Emma Cloutier; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Marc & Renee Cloutier and Luc & Joy Cloutier; and lastly his sweet puppy dog “Willow” who stayed by his side.

A ceremony celebrating Gil’s life will be held on Saturday, June 3rd.  The family will receive guests at 11:00a.m. and the celebration of life will follow at 12:00p.m. at The Church at Argyle, 6823 Argyle Forest Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32244.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to contribute to The Church at Argyle “I love this place” gift fund.