Obituary of Perry Leo Bortolotti

Perry Bortolotti first discovered his passion for motorsports as a little boy. He grew up showered with love from his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a big Italian family. His parents Leo and Gloria knew from an early age Perry was a fierce competitor and there was no keeping him from pursuing his dream of racing cars. The eldest of four brothers, Paul (Jenn Curtis), Mark (Christine), and Mike (Tracey) were his first and favourite co-pilots, co-conspirators, and pit crew.

No matter where he was going, Perry was always in the fast lane. That’s how he lived his life until he crossed the finish line on September 26, 2023 with his family close cheering him on to the checkered flag.

On and off the track, Perry was a champion. His passions took him all over the world, including the legendary Nordschleife where he competed after winning the inaugural 2011 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge. He was also an avid cyclist and skier chasing some of the highest peaks all over the world with 100-mile rides in Palm Springs, fresh tracks in British Columbia, and exploring the Alps, one turn at a time.

Despite all his accolades, Perry was most proud of his family. He would often say his greatest accomplishment was marrying his beautiful wife Lani and the life they built together.

Consummate entertainers, Lani (nee Dillabough) and Perry's home was a hub for friends and family. Whether in Ottawa, Lac Quinn, or California, Perry lived to share all his toys with family and friends. He loved ATV rides, "Rock and Roll fishing," and strumming his guitar with a glass of red wine on the porch. As a red wine aficionado, Perry famously said, "I never met a bottle of red I didn't like," and collected wines from all over the world.

That love and generosity carry on in Perry and Lani's two sons, Tanner and Jordan. Dubbed "the three amigos," anytime they gathered the sound of giggling could be heard late into the night. Often resulting in several (welcomed) noise complaints. One of their more recent shenanigans resulted in a small avalanche while heliskiing, luckily nobody was hurt but Perry was often the instigator. The boys will miss their ringleader and hero terribly.

Perry loved to sing and dance, especially with Lani. Their playlists and vinyl collection inspired generations of music lovers in the family. More recently, Perry found two new dance partners, his beloved daughters-in-law, Jaime Picone (Tanner) and Lianne MacDougall (Jordan) who gave him his most cherished blessings, three beautiful grandchildren Juniper, Lachlann (Jordan) and Leo (Tanner). He will be remembered as the world's best Nonno, passing on his lust for life, love of the outdoors, and of course, motorsports. In a short time, Perry implanted memories on his grandchildren that will last a lifetime.

Perry was the best son-in-law to Bob and Helen Tape, and brother-in-law to Danny (Crayola), Derek (Kerry), Donny, Stephen (Leslee), and Kristine (Mario). Perry also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunts and uncles who will always remember his smile, generous spirit, and big hugs.

Perry was an extraordinary husband, father, leader, and family man. He was a man of principles, and some of his favourite sayings will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him. Perry liked to say, "Being rich is having a full table, not a full bank account," "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," and "Don't poop in the powder room."

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony of Padua, 427 Booth Street, Ottawa on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., and will celebrate Perry's incredible life with a party in the Spring of 2024.

In Memory of Perry, please instead of flowers, consider donations to the Bladder Cancer Canada, Research, this would be appreciated by the family.