It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rene Gauthier, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, who left us peacefully. Rene lived a remarkable life filled with integrity, kindness, and joy. Born into a military family, he moved across Canada during his childhood, eventually settling in British Columbia in 1967.
Rene’s journey began as a young paperboy for the Toronto Star, which sparked his adventurous spirit. After relocating to B.C., he and his father opened a gas station, Rene’s Shell Service. Shortly after, he was introduced to Sun Life of Canada where he spent 38 successful years, acquiring a passion for traveling that enriched his life and that of his family, who often accompanied him on his journeys.
Upon his retirement, Rene continued to embrace life with enthusiasm. He loved spending his time on a friend’s orchard and winery and also delivered RVs for over 15 years. His caring, compassionate nature and cheeky sense of humour endeared him to many, earning him the admiration of friends who frequently described him as the nicest man they ever met.
Rene cherished his family deeply, always ready to lend a helping hand. His love for his children and grandchildren was boundless. When he was a young man, he enjoyed being active with sports, loved snow skiing, baseball, water skiing. Once he retired, he found joy in every moment spent outdoors with his passion for fishing, camping, or biking. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Blue Jays, and B.C. Lions, proudly supporting his teams.
Regardless of the many places he called home, Rene found peace and happiness in the beautiful Okanagan after retiring. He shared many wonderful years as a snowbird, creating lasting memories with new friends and loved ones.
Rene Gauthier leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering support. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him. In our hearts, he will remain forever, guiding us with his kindness and spirit.
Rene was pre-deceased by his parents Kathleen and Rene Gauthier.
He is survived by his sister, Lynne Mullen; his first wife, Joy Cameron; three children: Robert (Adam), Terry (Tony), and Tammy (Kevin); his second wife, Suzanne Gauthier; stepdaughter, Michelle (Drew); and several grandchildren: Andrew (Christine), Greg (Julina), Paul, Justin (Jocelyn), Cody (Hailey), Anthony (Brittney), Madison (Brendan), Mathew (Devan), Savanna (Marc), and Regan (Corey). He is also survived by great-granddaughters, Nora and Quinn, as well as many incredible friends.
A celebration of Rene’s life will be held on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, at 10:30am, Como Lake United Church, 535 Marmont St, Coquitlam. All who knew him are invited to come together and honour his memory.
To honour Rene, you are welcome to wear clothing from one of his favourite sports teams: Vancouver Canucks, B.C. Lions, or Toronto Blue Jays. You can also wear plaid to honour Rene’s love of a good plaid shirt.
For those who are unable to be present in person, you may join us virtually at https://bit.ly/comolake9
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation. https://bit.ly/
Tammy, Terry and Robert,
I was so sorry to hear of Rene’s passing. We had so many good times in the 1970’s when we were all young and moved to Pitt Meadows. Friends and neighbours. He will always be in our hearts and great memories forever.
Sharon Robertson
Thank you Sharon, so many wonderful memories of Pitt Meadows.
Thank you for inviting us to Rene’s celebration of life. My parents (Betty and Neil) and Randy and myself (Karen) certainly loved him, his wisdom, wittiness and love for life, his family and friends. We will miss him so much- and feel so privileged to have been included in his life. Thank you Rene, we love you 💕
We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Rene’s passing. Whenever we met he was always so positive and full of good humor. I remember visiting BC as a child with Mike and enjoying our time with Uncle Rene. All of our condolences and best wishes to family and friends who are celebrating the life that he lived. – Patrick, Rani, Tara and Kiran Mullen