Edmund Gallardo Gautier

Edmund “Ed” Gallardo Gautier, 74, of Corona, California, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 4, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, after a long battle with dementia. Born on October 9, 1950, in Redlands, California, Ed was the eldest of four children of Edmund and Helen Gautier.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Peggy Ann Gautier; their three children, Eric Gautier, Candice Meares, and Nicole Bautista; his daughter-in-law, Tracy Gautier; his son-in-law, Stephen Bautista; his sister, Michelle Valdivia; and his nine cherished grandchildren: Brittany Gautier, Madeline Gautier, Emma Bautista, Joseph Gautier, Austin Meares, Ashlyn Winn, Travis Meares, Lauryn Winn, and Ryder Bautista.

Ed is now reunited in eternal peace with his parents; his two brothers, Alfred and Mark Gautier; his nephew, Bryce Gautier; and his dear son-in-law, Christopher Meares.

After graduating from Santa Ana High School, Ed married the love of his life on June 13, 1969, and they welcomed their first child soon after. He was once a member of the music band The Bel-Air’s. Although music remained a lifelong passion, he chose to step away from performing to focus on his growing family.

Following in his father's footsteps, Ed entered the construction industry. He spent many years working for the Raymond Group and was a proud member of the Orange County Local 652 Construction, General Laborers & Hod Carriers Union. Throughout his career, Ed took great pride in helping shape the Southern California skyline. He loved telling stories about the many buildings he helped construct—including iconic landmarks such as Disneyland, The Getty Museum, high-rise office towers, hospitals, sports arenas, universities, and movie studios.

One of his favorite questions during road trips was, “Did I ever tell you about the time I worked on that building?” We’d all laugh and lovingly tease him, but his pride in his work was always clear.

Ed was known for his unique sense of humor, playful antics, and unforgettable jokes. He enjoyed a wide range of hobbies—tinkering with vintage cars, watching football, fishing, camping, walking his dogs, hunting for treasures at garage sales, collecting vinyl records and coins, photographing flowers from his garden, and indulging in his sweet tooth, especially when it came to candy and cookies.

As we grieve Ed’s passing, we also celebrate his love for God, the rich and joyful life he lived, and the love he so freely gave to those around him. His spirit will forever live on in the memories we cherish, the laughter we shared, and the legacy of love he leaves behind.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to his nurses, caregivers, and the hospice team. We are eternally grateful for your compassion and care.