Passed away peacefully at the North Bay Regional Health Centre on Monday October 4th, 2021 at the age of 78. Beloved husband of Claudette (nee Guay). Loving brother of Rene (Charlene), Anita Boucher (Jack), Yvonne Gauthier (Claude). He will always be remembered by his many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews whom he cherished as his own children. Oliver is predeceased by his parents Leo and Emma Gauthier and his brother Harvey (Linda-surviving).
From his love for his family to his devotion of his friends (you could find him doing anything for them from lending them money to driving them around to bailing them out of trouble) to the trouble he got into himself, Oliver was known to be both bullheaded and compassionate, sometimes both in the same moments. Oliver lived by his own rules and he’s always been a bit of a rebel - in the most endearing of ways. He was a snazzy dresser and spent much of his life hunting, ‘gallivanting’ and carrying out his ‘schemes’. In his later years, we could see the youthful Oliver peek through when we’d tease him and catch his familiar crooked smirk. While Oliver may not have had any biological children of his own, he had been like a father to many of his nieces and nephews and took a big part in raising who they’ve become. Oliver had the biggest heart and his great great nephew was named for him as living proof of his legacy. Losing Oliver is like losing a father and grandfather for many of us.Oliver was one of the most gentle and tender human beings. We have no doubt that he was met at the gates by his late and cherished pets, family members and friends.
Above all, Oliver was the devoted, loving (and stubborn) husband of Claudette. She was his companion, confidante, and best friend and Oliver is the biggest love of Claudette’s life. From meeting in their teens and marrying soon after, their love for each other has been unfaltering throughout their 58 years of marriage. They experienced their most beautiful moments and their most tragic moments together. Lord knows, it wasn’t always easy. Oliver is Claudette’s one true love; their tenderness and passion for one another is infinite and does not end here.
Family receiving friends at Hillside Funeral Services, 362 Airport Rd on Thursday October 7th, 2021 from 3pm until time of service at 6pm. As per current COVID-19 directives the total number of attendees is limited, social distancing requirements must be respected, and masks or face coverings are required inside the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an animal rescue of your choice and will be greatly appreciated by his family.