John M. Gauthier

Passed away peacefully, in his 84th year, at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, lovingly surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Kay, loving father of Catherine, Michael (Jane), Jane and Mary Ann (Duncan). Cherished grandfather of Bonnie (Tim), Steven, Brian (Vanessa) and Denise (Simon). Great grandfather of Hannah, Leah and Olivia. Predeceased by his parents (Damien and Blanche Gauthier), brothers (Andy, Bernie, Marcel and Victor) and sisters (Rita and Marguerite). John will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends including Kata and Marie.

John was born in Cache Bay, grew up in Sturgeon Falls and upon leaving school after grade 9 he and his brother sought the adventure of the lumber camps. John worked at various jobs, including mining, taxi driver and at Christie Breads in Toronto. In 1951, John joined The Royal Canadian Air Force. During his basic training in St. Jean, Quebec, he met his soon to be wife Kay, who was also in the Air Force. John was transferred, but wrote to Kay, a letter every day.

They were married in Edmonton in Jan. 1953, where two children were born. From 1955-1959, they were stationed in Germany, where their third child was born. During their four years overseas, the family had many adventures in France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, the British Isles and Austria.

John’s trade was Com Tech Air and while in Germany, he taught Belgium and French Canadian military personal. After returning to Ottawa, their fourth child was born. In ensuing years, the family lived in LaMacaza, St. Bruno, St. Hubert and Borden. John’s final posting from 1975-80 was at CFB Rockcliffe (Ottawa) as Station Warrant Officer. After retiring from the RCAF, he worked as a civil servant in the Cataloguing division of DND. John enjoyed gardening and when he had too much produce he would put it on the curb of Carling Avenue in Ottawa and it would be gone by sun down. He was an avid card player, enjoying cribbage and euchre; and he loved a game of scrabble. John had a love of language and appreciated a great pun. He was an avid reader, especially enjoying humour and travel books. While in the RCAF, John completed his high school diploma and then in his 50s, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Ottawa. For many years, John volunteered one evening each week at the Ottawa Learning Centre teaching adults to read. While greatly appreciated by the students, John always said that he learned more there than he ever expected. After his second retirement, he put his love of education, reading and French to great use. For many years, he volunteered 1 day a week at Woodroffe Avenue Public School, Ottawa with grade 3 French immersion classes.

In 2005, John and Kay moved to Peterborough to be closer to family. By his example John was a great inspiration to his children and instilled in them a strong work ethic, non-judgemental attitude and a commitment to lifelong learning. He will be long remembered for his “get-on-with-it attitude” and “everything in moderation”. To the end, he enjoyed his daily walk and crossword puzzles.

Funeral service will be held at the COMSTOCK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 356 Rubidge Street, Peterborough on Saturday July 7, 2012 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. Donations to Friends of the Peterborough Library or a Charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com.