MAURICE ROLAND GAUTHIER

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MAURICE ROLAND GAUTHIER Peacefully, in the comfort of his home in Buffalo Point, MB on November 10, 2002, Maurice Roland Gauthier, beloved husband of Lucille, passed away at the age of 75 years. Besides his wife Lucille of 53 years, Maurice leaves to mourn his passing three children, Carol (Charles) Horvath of Steinbach, Paul (Cathy) of Pine Falls, MB, Jason and friend Sonia of Steinbach; and four grandchildren, Kira Lunde (Nate) of Minneapolis, Kiley Horvath of Steinbach and Dana and Paige Gauthier of Pine Falls. He is also survived by seven sisters and one brother, Marie Paule Rivard (Olivier), Germaine Colette (Florent), Gerard Gauthier, Armelle DeGagne (Charles), Marguerite Roy (Alfred), Aline Sabourin (Leon), Yvette Mozol and Gisele Horvath (Eddie), all living in Manitoba; and by brother-in-law Claude Joyal (Anna) and sister-in-law Yvette Joyal; and their families. He was predeceased by his father on April 2, 1975 and his mother on December 17, 1990. Dad was born on December 3, 1926 in Ste. Agathe, MB to Philippe and RoseMarie Gauthier and lived on the family farm during his early years. He married our mother, Lucille Joyal of Ste. Agathe, on August 27, 1949. He was a great lover of the outdoors and managed to combine this passion with his long career in the hospitality business. Over many years he and Mom owned and operated the Vassar Hotel where he made numerous friends and formed long-lasting relationships with many residents of the community and beyond, throughout southeastern Manitoba and into northwestern Minnesota. They also owned and operated the Pinewood Hotel in Powerview, MB and later lived in Selkirk after buying and managing the Selkirk Motor Hotel. Family members and friends would often seek out Maurice for advice on many matters and his wise counsel would often help resolve an issue. His advice to his son Jason and grandson Kiley was invaluable in the decision by the two young men to go into business together, first in Pinawa and more recently in Steinbach. Dad and Mom retired to Buffalo Point in 1998 and greatly enjoyed their life there. It is a peaceful place where Dad spent many hours with friends, puttering in the garage and tending to his tomato plants and flower beds of which he was very proud. He had just bought his hunting licence and was looking forward to another outing in the woods. Dad avidly followed the career of his favourite hockey player, Mario Lemieux, No. 66 for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and also enjoyed playing the "Penguins" in Warroad, MN just across the border. Our father had a tremendous zest for life and took an interest in a wide variety of activities. Nothing made him happier than having the house full of family and friends. He was especially fond of his grandchildren and would spare no effort in looking after their interests and needs. You went away without foreword You said goodbye to none But Heavens gate opened wide And a loving voice said "Come." Prayers were said on Tuesday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Loewen Funeral Chapel in Steinbach. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 13 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Our Saviour Roman Catholic Church in Steinbach. Honorary pallbearers were Nathan Lunde, Raynald Rivard, Chris Janz, Rob Desaultels, George Bouchard and Ernie Cyr. Dads wishes were to be cremated and he will be laid to rest in a private family service at a later date. Nous garderons toujours de lui le souvenir precieux dun pere at grand-pere et dun epous tres courageux, engage et entierement devoue, a sa famille qui a toujours ete au coeur de sa vie. Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel of Steinbach.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 13, 2002