Fred Gauthier

Joseph Alfred 'Fred' Gauthier

September 28, 1930 - March 25, 2012

Sadly we announce that after a very sudden diagnosis of cancer on Monday, March 19, 2012 our dad, Fred Gauthier of Kenora, Ontario, passed away on Sunday, March 25th, at the age of 81.

Fred was predeceased by his wife Alice.

He will be missed by daughter Jocelyne (Henry) of Kleefeld, MB, and grandchildren Matthew (Maddy) and Andrew; son Rick (Kim) of Kenora, and grandchildren Kylie (Brian) and great grandchild Avea, Jenna (Jeremy), Johnny, Josee, Eastin and Norm; son Paul (Shelby) of Kenora, and grandchildren Chantelle, Nicole and Chelsea. He is survived by all six siblings: Maurice, Fernande, Jacques, Lucille, Paul and Yvon and first wife Jeannette.

Fred was born on September 28, 1930 in Iroquois Falls, Ontario. At around age 16 he began work at the Abitibi Paper Mill where his father was superintendent. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and saved his money to buy a Harley Davidson. He enjoyed being part of a motorcycle club and was known for his teasing and humorous antics. In 1955 he married his first wife Jeannette Smith. A year later they moved to Winnipeg where he worked with his in-laws in their motel business, Motel 75.

When the motel was sold he worked at Ashdown’s, as well as a hardware store. When the new motel was built in Kenora, Ontario they moved to Lake-Vu Motel with their preschoolers, Jocelyne and Rick. In 1962 his youngest son Paul was born. Kenora became his lifelong home and provided for a great interest in fishing, hunting and curling.

After his time at Lake-Vu Motel he worked in Dryden briefly and then returned to work at the Kenora paper mill until his retirement. It was during his time at the mill that he married his second wife Alice Chevrefils. They enjoyed gardening, their poodle dogs and trips in the camper van which surely must have the most gadgets for preparedness of any van of its kind! It was in these later years that dad developed a trademark set of sideburns! Between the sideburns and the van you knew when Fred was about town!

Fred loved to laugh and many who saw him on a regular basis will remember his generosity and love of a good time! Can’t you just hear him say, "If you can't have fun, stay home!"

The Funeral Service for Fred will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.

Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Lake of the Woods District hospital who took care of our dad in his brief stay.

Donations may be made to the Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS