Obituary of Oliver "Happy" Gauthier

Oliver also known as Happy was born on March 9, 1929 to Alexis and Florence Gauthier, in the Jackfish Lake area under a spruce tree, when the weather was -40. Oliver lived all his life in Moberly Lake, raising his nine children, with the love of his life Lillian, who shared his life for the past 54 years. Oliver loved rodeos, during his travels to rodeos, he would never leave his children home, you would see him pack up his ole 57' Chevy with tents and kids in the back going down the rodeo trail. At the age of 10, Oliver helped his father; Alexis build the Catholic Church in Moberly Lake. They hauled the logs from across the lake to where the church is now. Oliver loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and each one had a special place in his heart. He also had a nickname for each of them. Oliver had many inventions of his own, anything you needed he would find a way to make it, he did his own mechanic work, if he didn't have the part, he would make one. During camping season, he would have the best camp ever, from making the kitchen to outdoor facilities. Oliver had other talents, such as jigging, he won many jigging contests throughout the Peace area, he also loved the drums, drumming was part of his teachings from his dad. We all wondered where the history of his jigging came from, we did some searching and found that his grandmother was 100 years old and won the jigging contest in all different parts of Alberta. Oliver had a sense of humour right to the end, as sick as he was, he made everyone laugh. While in Vancouver a nurse asked him his name, he said, well they have been calling me OLIVER GAUTHIER for the last 79 years. Oliver had a remarkable history of his life, which at one time, we hope to write a book. Oliver's teaching to his children and grandchildren, was that, be good to others, and if they intend to hurt you, just let it be, let it go, just be kind. Oliver leaves to mourn: his wife of 54 yrs Lillian and their children: Norma (Rick)Podolecki; Derald (Liz); Geraldine (Ray)Appaw; Lucy (Norman)Davis; Stella (John) Logan; Myron. Grandchildren: Nicole (Warren) Garbitt; Lisa (Adrian) McArthur, Patrick, Christopher, Arthur, Dustin, Payton, Melanie (Todd) Long, Falon, Amanda, Timber, Kaylynn, Crystal (Josh) Cameron, Tyson & Lacie. Great-Grandchildren: Riley, Ryan, Colby, Oliver, Reece, Ethan, Phinn, Jayden, Aaliyah, Taiya & Andrew. HUSBAND, DAD, GRANDPA, MOOSUM - REST IN PEACE and THANK YOU for your teachings - WE MISS YOU DEEPLY. Oliver passed away on December 17, 2008 in Chetwynd, B.C. at the age of 79 years, a funeral service was held on Monday, December 29 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, interment followed in the Lake View Cemetery at Moberly Lake, B.C. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium.