Obituary for
Fernand Gauthier
Gauthier, Fernand Edward
August 11, 1917
On the morning of October 19, 2018, Dad, in his 102nd year, peacefully slipped away at the Norfolk General Hospital in Simcoe, ON. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Fleurette. As well, his parents, George and Delinska Gauthier and siblings, Adelard, Albert, Sr. Marie Jeanne, Sr. Germaine, Maurice, Arthur and Eugene. Dad is lovingly remembered by his five children, Pauline (Lynn), Robert and Chris “Woody”, and Kim and Penny. Proud Grandpa to Melissa, Eric, Wyatt, Christopher, Ashley, Gregory, Jonathon, Brandon, Dolan and Kristen, and great grandchildren, Gavin, Lucas, Samuel, Owen, Braeden, Allyanna, Melody, Lily, and Taylor. As well, many nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Blind River, Fern began working at the tender age of seven emptying spittoons for his father in the old Blind River Hotel. He ran several businesses in Ontario and British Columbia and worked various jobs – he fondly recounted slinging beer in Pickle Lake – until he retired from La Pas Lumber, Bear lake, BC, to his home town in 1981. Active in retirement, he started working at the Legion cleaning and “slinging beer” until almost 90 years young. As a lifelong member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 189, Fern enjoyed many years and beers with his cronies. His proudest accomplishments were serving his country overseas during WWII in the Royal Canadian Navy, and his children. Dad loved simple pleasures: a hot coffee, drinking his ‘special’ smoothies, chocolate anything and anything ice cream! He enjoyed warm handshakes and a cold draft. Dad loved to bask in the sun, meet new people, and adored the attention his impressive seniority attracted, to which he would shake his head and respond, “I can’t believe it, I don’t feel like I’m old!”. He was proud to accept handshakes from strangers thanking him for his service. He was gracious and grateful. “Sleep tight” – he would always say. I hope he sleeps well too. Dad had a long life well lived. And we will miss him. Thank you, Sir!. Thank you to his family at Dover Cliffs Long Term Care in Port Dover, where he resided and made many friends over the past six years. Also, a special thank you to the nursing staff at Norfolk General Hospital for their care and compassion. In lieu of donations or flowers, please make time for a loved one or someone who needs your time. A graveside service honouring the life and legacy of Fernand Gauthier will be announced shortly by Menard Funeral Home, Blind River. Details will be posted on this website.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Fernand Edward
Gauthier 1917 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Thessalon, Province: Ontario